Computer Recycling in The Gambia; Kololi Internet Cafe

Gambia Holiday News is a supporter of the Fight Against Social and Economic Exclusion. In Gambia there are only three computers for every 1000 people and increasingly employers are demanding computer skills as a condition for employment. Gambians are eager to learn about computers, information systems and the Internet and want to be able to improve their lives in whatever way possible. Computer access and training improves their opportunity for employment, increases their access to information and brings the power of networking with others.

The Gambia Holiday News Telecentre and Internet Cafe in Kololi has evolved into a multi purpose business centre from simply offering public access to telecommunications such as telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet and business support services such as word processing, photocopying and printing.

Three jobs have been created in the refurbishment of the computer hardware and the experience gained in setting up the centre has opened other hardware and network maintenance opportunities. The centre also offers free technical support to help evaluate local IT needs and requirements.

"Computer & Internet Training Workshops" are the key components of a particularly effective educational program recently launched in The Gambia aiming to help bridge an ever-widening gap in computer and Internet utilisation between African and Western nations. Staff at the centre give early hands-on training and exposure to IT through regular workshops and classes that are open to all.

Telecentres and Internet Cafes in Gambia.

Telecenters are one of the most rapidly growing applications of IT in the developing world fulfilling the need for a practical and cost-effective way to bring the community of Africa into contact with itself and with the world.

Shared-access to refurbished computers and telephone systems allows the provision of a wide range of services to more users at lower cost than privately-owned home or office computers which are often out of the financial reach of the poorer people.

The definition of a telecenter is as varied as the activities that such a center can offer. Smaller telecenters usually include access to fax, phone, and photocopying, the larger ones may also include a basic internet service.

Others may include targeted activities in education and training, health, e-commerce, e-government services and more. The physical composition of telecenters also varies widely.

Common models include kiosks, school computer labs made available to the public after hours, multipurpose community telecenters, and mobile telecenters.

UK Press on the Gambia Gets it all Wrong

A recent article I read on the Gambia commented on the ruin that has been made of the short coastline by unplanned building. I fly out in 2 weeks and cannot wait to see how much building work must have been done since May 09 to ruin the beaches and coastline I know in the Gambia!

Following a very quiet season in 2008-2009 its extraordinary to think that so much cash must have flooded in, but if the coastline is now full of ugly high rises, it will have been a great boost to the Gambian economy during the summer season.

Gambia Holiday Apartments for Sale

Holiday aprtments for sale in Kololi with shower, living room, kitchen and verandah overlooking a central courtyard with swimming pool and bar. The apartments have 24 hour electricity, water and security.

These two bedroom holiday apartments are ideally situated behind the The Car Wash in Kololi and Maroons Supermarket at Palma Rima junction.

It is a short walk to the local mini market, pharmacy, internet cafe, and local bars and restaurants.

It is a 10 minute walk to the Palma Rima Hotel and The Palma Rima beach is a further 5 minutes. The Senegambia strip with its restaurants,clubs and supermarkets are a short walk away

Gambia Tourism on From Our Own Correspondent

From our own correspondant has a short piece on the Gambia tourist industry and recent changes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7929276.stm

Gambia Beach Hotel Investment For Sale - Kololi

This property is located on the beach front in the main tourist area known as Palme Rima. The plot is 80 m by 212m and is fenced on all sides.

On the plot are 3 partially completed developments consisting of

14 x 1 bedroom apartments

14 x studios

7 x 2 bedroom apartments

There is a further strip of vacant land with space for a similar development or a number of individual properties.

Kololi is a resort town on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in Gambia. Kololi is the main tourist area of the Gambia, with the main hotels such as the Senegambia and the Palma Rima. Kololi is monitored by the Gambia Tourist Police.

Happy Anniversary To The Independant Gambia

On 18 February The Gambia celebrates its 44th year of Independence. The 'On This Day Page' on the BBc website gives a report on the independence celebrations in 1965: Countdown to Gambian independence
The Duke and Duchess of Kent have celebrated the end of 300 years of colonial rule in Gambia with 35 chiefs.
At midnight Gambia will become the smallest - and 37th - sovereign state in Africa and the last of Britain's West African colonies to gain independence.

It was the first African nation conquered by the British and will become the 21st member of the Commonwealth, as well as the 116th member of the United Nations.

Representing the Queen, the royal couple was escorted to the mansa bengo - gathering of kings - by Gambian Prime Minister Dawda Jawara and Governor Sir John Paul.

All the Gambian leaders showed their respect by removing their shoes before greeting the British dignitaries.

The oldest chief, Toure Sagniang, said: "It gives us confidence to know that as a monarchy we are members of that family of which the Queen is head."

And he thanked the UK for its assistance in making the transition to independence.

The traditional ceremony - in the village of Brikama, 22 miles from the capital, Bathurst - included soothsayers and standard bearers, accompanied by drumming and string instruments.

Guests from around 30 nations were present, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, George Mennen, and the Soviet Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Grigori Pashchenko

Gambia Holiday Forums

Last week I was looking for a flight to the Gambia and came to the Trip advisor Gambia Forum. Having read some of the posts and the solutions to travel enquiries, I thought I might join and while handing out some top tips for travelling in Africa, with all age groups, I could promote the Gambian Businesses I have found useful. I added to a couple of posts seeking opinions on Cape Point or Banjul, where to eat and whether one could risk travelling to West Africa without the suggested jabs. Then, up came a question about travelling with a 18 month old child.

Having been brought up by the Unilever Guide to bringing up children in the tropics, I offered as much info as I could, adding some useful business contacts such as a taxi with seatbelts which might accommodate the car seat they were taking.The Post was promptly removed, as it was considered to be commercial spam by the moderator.

I had a few private mails from members who had seen the original post, asking me to join an off topic forum so I presume the info must have been useful. I do think that such forums are used by people who have an interest and who want to give info to others, just as you might if you met them in a queue for check in. So if you cannot give out your personal experience, the name of a useful website or a particular local tour guide or legal advice or restaurant what use is the forum? What a forum for the Gambia should tell you is how other people got off the hotel beach to see something of the real Gambia.

Gambia Local Tourist Guide

The Gambian tourist industry is dominated by the big boys. Even the ex pats running the fishing trips are beholden to the big tour operators for their bookings, and they get paid a fraction of the fee you might pay having booked it in the hotel. It is only recently that you could find a flight with an airline that was not booked through Gambia Experience or Thompsons. Those tourists wishing to go it alone, or local guides who wanted to provde a more local tour find it more problematic.

There is room for all levels of organisation in the holiday industry and thank god that the internet has enabled us all to chose the type of holiday we want. With that in mind let me direct you to Abdul Ramon Conteh who runs Abduls Safari tours Mr Conteh has been able to get his ground operator license through working in partnership with a Dutch company to form the Arch Tours, specialising in the sorts of trips you would want to go on if you really wanted to see Gambia. The best thing about it is that you will not feel like you are part of a herd; these are small trips in jeeps or a mini bus at its biggest, led by local drivers and guides, and with the flexibility to change the time of the toilet stop, and not waste time getting 40 people their chosen drink in the cafe. You wont be sitting on the bus waiting for evryone taking their time on the toilet break. I know we are all tourists, but just as with everything else in life, we like to do things in different ways.

The tours themselves are very well thought out and just the sort of trips you would take guests on if they were visiting you; the ferry trip to Barra and then Senegal for another stamp in your passport, the slavery tour and the river trips. If you dont do anything else with your trip to the Gambia, please do the "4 tours in 1 day" Its all possible because you are not part if a big group, trouping on and off coaches and waiting for other people. You will see so much of the Gambia as well as taking in all the local sites of interest, ending with a couple of hours on the beautiful, no-one for miles, Paradise Beach. Really, you need never leave the hotel again once you've done this trip. Although once you've got the tatse for it?

Beach bar and restaurant for rent in The Gambia

Have you ever dreamt of runing a beach bar and restaurant in the sun. If you are just a little tired of life at the office, then consider this successful beach bar business available to rent here in the Gambia, West Africa.

This very nice, very successful beach bar, restaurant and lounge is is situated in a prime position between the newly opened five star hotel, The Coconut Ocean and the well known Bijilo Beach Hotel.

The building consists of a lounge, bar, kitchen, verandah and roof terrace situated in grass gardens leading directly down to the beautiful white sand Bijilo Bach and the Atlantic Ocean.

This established and successfull beach bar and restaurant offers a turn-key business opportunity for any enterprising owner looking for a great beach side location combined with a fantastic revenue stream. and the business is available for rent on a 12 month contract with possibility to renew.

A perfect frontline beachside restaurant and bar with full license, trained staff and an established clientelle is considered one of the best bars in The Gambia the place to be, for both the expat, tourist and the local communities. This is in an area of rapidly expanding tourism, yet it retains a very special tranquility, beauty and ambience.

The new bar owner can take over the rental contract for the house and business and move in at any time. A complete inventory of all of the furniture, equipment and assets of the bar can be sent to any qualified person who is interested in owning a successful beach bar. Just request it and we’ll send it.

Fall in Incidence of Malaria in The Gambia

The incidence of malaria has fallen significantly in Gambia in the last 5 years, according to a study carried out by experts there with support from scientists based in London.

Malaria is a major cause of illness and death in Africa, including Gambia. Investigations into ways of controlling malaria have been underway in Gambia for more than 50 years and, since 2003, efforts to deliver malaria interventions to pregnant women and children under 5 – including intermittent preventive treatment, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying - have been stepped up considerably.

Malaria is one of the world's biggest killers, responsible for over a million deaths every year, mainly in children and pregnant women in Africa and south east Asia. It is caused by the malaria parasite, which is injected into the bloodstream from the salivary glands of infected mosquitoes.

In areas where transmission rates of malaria are high, death occurs most frequently in young children, usually as a result of severe anaemia. Surviving children rapidly develop immunity to the disease and severe malaria is rarely seen in older children. Where transmission rates are lower, the proportion of older children infected with malaria increases – in older children, malaria can lead to even more serious complications as the parasites reach the brain.

The authors sought to investigate the changes that have occurred in Gambia over the past nine years, their potential causes, and public health significance. They analysed original records in order to establish the numbers and proportions of malaria inpatients, deaths and blood-slide examinations at one hospital over nine years (January 1999-December 2007) and at four health facilities in three different administrative regions over seven years (January 2001-December 2007). They obtained additional data from single sites for haemoglobin concentrations in paediatric admissions and for the age distribution of malaria admissions.

At each of the four sites with complete slide examination records, they found that the proportions of malaria-positive slides had decreased by 82%, 85%, 73% and 50% respectively between 2003 and 2007. Meanwhile, during the same period at the three sites with complete admission records, the proportions of malaria admissions fell by 74%, 69% and 27%. Proportions of deaths attributed to malaria in two hospitals fell by more than 90%.

The team also recorded a substantial shift in the average age of children who were admitted to one hospital with malaria after 2004, with far fewer under 5s being admitted after that year. The average age until 2004 was similar to that recorded ten years previously, so the finding of a trend towards older ages of malaria cases was new. A more substantial decrease of malaria admissions in younger children is likely to be largely due to increased use of ITNs, since this intervention is targeted at children under 5, but it may also reflect a situation in which children are taking longer to acquire immunity.

The team considered possible reasons for the decrease of malaria in Gambia. Changes in rainfall cause some fluctuations in malaria from year to year, but could not account for the progressive reduction recorded since 2003, while socio-economic changes, improvements in communications and access to education may also have helped, although these factors tend to have a more gradual impact rather than the rapid changes reported at the different sites. A change in chemotherapy is likely to have played a substantial role – until 2004, chloroquine alone was mainly used but as parasite resistance to this drug had increased to high levels, the first-line treatment of choice became sulphadoxine plus pyrimethamine (SP) combined with chloroquine, from early 2005 onwards. SP has prophylactic as well as curative properties which may have been important.

The most substantial change in measures to prevent malaria has been the increase of coverage of ITNs, which thanks to well-publicised initiatives from the Global Fund, UNICEF and WHO increased threefold between 2000 and 2006 (49% of under 5s in Gambia are now reported to be sleeping under ITNs – the highest reported coverage in Africa).

David Conway, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who is based at the Medical Research Council Laboratories in Banjul in Gambia, is one of the study's authors. He comments: 'These findings support the proposal that increased investment in malaria interventions in Africa can have a major effect on reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. We need to consider the possibility of future elimination of malaria from some areas in Africa, but we also emphasise the importance of continuous surveillance, and there is no room for complacency with this disease'

Furnished 3 bedroom House

Beautiful 3 bedroom property fully furnished to U.K. standards £44,000

3 Bedroom walled compound with shed and it's own back up generator. The house comes fully furnished to a high standard.

The lving area features white leather double sofa, T.V. DVD VCR, the dinning area comes with dining table and six chairs.

Master bedroom is en-suite with A/C with kingsize bed, the two other bedrooms both have double beds. The running costs for water is aprox £4 a month, the Council Tax was £14 for the year.

The large garden features wicker furniture on the veranda and fruitrees are abundent like banana, aubergine, and Mandarine. Price including furniture located in the Taf Estates just 5 minutes from the airport

Bakau New Town

3 bedroom house for sale in Bakau New Town £70,000

3 bed bungalow front room/living room / living room master bed with en-suite bedroom / bedroom en-suite share / storeroom walk in closet /staff quarters garden fruit trees papaoe, pineapple, Mango tree, very close to Marina school, Amex Embassy, the British Embassy, and BAES. It is also in walking distance to the African village Hotel.

The plot measures 540.7 square meters The house is being sold fully furnished, it comprises of three bedrooms, of which one is a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and a large walk in wardrobe the other two large bedrooms has a bathroom although not en suite. In addition there is two living rooms one has a large dining room attached (open planned) The kitchen is fully fitted, it also has a cooker fairly new there is also s a large pantry.. Each room is equipped with an AC and ceiling fans and modern ceiling lamps throughout there is also a large veranda which is tiled.

The garden is mature with flowers growing along the walls of the compound, a large coconut tree,a mango tree, papaya tree, lemon tree, banana tree and pineapples growing in the garden and a concrete gazebo there is also a boys quarter on the grounds with shower toilet.

5 Bedrooms in Kololi

5 bedroom house in Kololi for sale £140,000
Prime Location huge compound
Generator
Air condition in four rooms
All rooms have fans
Boy's quarters.
Water tower.
car porch
About 10mins form Senegambia and beach
Mature garden with fish pond.
Very large kitchen and living room.
Will be leaving beds and tv's.

Organisation of African Union Conference Presidential Villas

Building Spec.and Inventory
Plot Size: 464 sqm
Total floor area: 155 sqm
Foundation and slab: Reinforced concrete
Blockwork: sand/cement (15cm thick) with damp proof membrane
Beams/UntoI/coliimn Reinforced concrete
Internal & External Render 12mm sand/cement
Roof: Timber, Trusses 5 purlins with Harvey roofing sheets
Eaves: 6mm plywood
Ceiling, moulded Gypsium plaster
Internal Doors; semi solid moulded mahogany doors and frames
External Door. Mahogany (front); Alluminium (kitchen backdoor)
Windows: white powder coated with 6mm tinted glass with mosquito gauze and steel burglar proofing
Floor Tiling: 50 x 50cm polished porcelain tile and 30 x 30cm ceramic tiles
Skirting: Timber and ceramic
Kitchen Cabinet Solid Oak cabinet, stainless steel extractor with acrylic kitchen sink
Electrics: circuit breaker distribution board
Chandeliers in living and dining rooms
Ceiling lights in all other rooms and corridors
External lights in all four walls and veranda ceiling

DECORATION
Three coats of washable paint on all external and internal walls and ceiling. Brick claddings on all external comer walls and around windows

Paved Drive way, Grass Lawn all around the compound with ornamental and fruit trees

LIVING ROOM (28sqm)
Centre table is a130cm x 120cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top
Side coffee tables: 70cm x 70cm x 40cm marble base with 3.5om thick glass
TV cabinet is a 260cm x 35cm x 35cm marble base with 3.5cm thick glass top with a 29 inch LG flat screen TV with two external speakers
Hi-fi with radio cassette and DVD player
Home theatre with five speakers (surround system)
3x2x1 leather settees
3m x 2m Moroccan rug
2 table lamps on each side coffee table
1m x 50cm wall paining
Three pairs of curtains with daylight fabric and fabric pelmet
One 18,000btu plasma split Air conditioner

DINING ROOM (14sqm)
One 12,000btu Air Conditioner
Marble and glass dining table with six leather chairs (cream)
1.5mx 50cm painting
A2m x 1.5m Moroccan rug

VERANDA(12sqm)CORRIDOR (26.8 sqm)LINEN CUPBOARD (1.2sqm)

KITCHEN (14sqm)
One fridge Freezer
A microwave
Electric Kettle in stainless silver and black
Gas cooker fitted with gas bottle
45 piece home starter set which comprise the following
Two non stick saucepans, Non-stick stir and fry pan. Non stick fry pans, 16piece cutlery set, 5 piece rivet knife set, 5 piece soft grip kitchen tool set, 30 x 20cm chopping board, scissors
6O piece ceramic starter diner set
A set of floral kitchen towels
Iron board and electric iron
Internal trash bin for kitchen

GUEST BEDROOM 1
(12sqm)12000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A Double bed spread with bed linens to match bedroom curtains and matching pelmet cover
One bedside cabinet with two chests of drawers and a bedside lamp
A matching three door ward robe with bath towels inside
A wall painting of 80cm x 50cm

GUEST BEDROOM 2 (12 sqm)
Exactly the same furnishing as Guest Bedroom 1 MASTER BEDROOM (20sqm)
18,000 btu plasma split Air conditioner
A King size bed spread with bed linen matching curtains and pelmet covers
Two bedside cabinets with bedside lamps on each cabinet
A bed side rug
A five door wardrobe with bath gowns and complete set of bath towels
A Dressing table with dimensions of 1.21 x 45 x 75 with a stool
A bedroom TV measuring 1.80m x 58.5cm 49cm with a 18inch flat screen home theatre cinema

ENSUITE (6sqm)
Acrylic bath tub
A semi circular glass cubicle on tray
Wash Hand basin on timber vanity unit
White porcelain WC
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

SHARED SHOWER ROOM FOR THE TWO GUEST BEDROOMS (5.25sqm)
Shower area fitted with shower curtain and shower unit
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
All water heaters are outside the house
Two door wall wardrobe

VISITOR'S TOILET (3.75sqm)
White porcelain WC and Wash Hand Basin
Stainless silver and glass toilet accessories

Costs involved in Property Purchase in the Gambia

As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the land and building value dependant upon type, location and use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates are also minimal.

Why are you buying the property?

Is this for retirement, a holiday home, a holiday home that you want to pay its way or a pure investment. If you are buying a property as an investment, see our Guide to Buying Property as an Investment.Which country and area will suit you best? If this is an investment, where are you likely to make the most money? Which type of property is best for you? Villa, apartment, townhouse. This is not always obvious. How are you going to pay for the property? Are you going to take out a mortgage? If so, where and for how much? What are you doing to guard against the risk of fluctuating exchange rates? How are you going to manage the property? If you want to let the property, who are your target tenants? Who will manage the lettings? How much money will you make? Who should be the legal owner of the property? The right choice here can save you £/€/$THOUSANDS, even on an ordinary holiday home. See below for more information.We will be happy to assist you with all of these issues.

Why Buy in Gambia

In the endless search for equity growth and rental yields property investors are searching further and further afield. Dubai, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey have all enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame as an overseas property hotspot and the markets there continue to thrive despite the threat of the bubble bursting. Costa de la Luz and Cape Verde are currently enjoying the limelight but a real opportunity lies on the West African coast in the former British colony of The Gambia. The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality sporting and leisure pursuits. The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done professionally. The Gambian government is totally committed to free enterprise. Luxury brand new four bedroom villas range from 80,000.00 GBP to 150,000.00 GBP dependant on location and proximity to the beaches. These properties can rent for up to 10,000.00 GBP per annum to United Nations or embassy staff. Building land is readily available and prices start from less than 1.00 GBP per square metre. Construction costs are a fraction of those in Europe and opportunities exist for commercial, residential, and tourist developments.

Utility Bills in the Gambia, and other Useful Information

Electricity is billed on a monthly basis with a minimum standing charge regardless of occupancy based on the electrical capacity of the property. Actual units of electricity used are paid on top of this standing charge. There are prepaid electricity meters available - Cash Power - where preferred.
Telephone access is provided by Gamtel (the equivalent of BT in the UK). They bill on a montly basis.
Mobile access is provided by Africel and Gamcel with Alcotel on its way. These only operate through the purchase of sim cards and top-up credit cards which are widely available. There is little to choose between these providers on pricing or reliability.
The internet is provided by both Quantum who offer Broadband and Gamtel who offer a dial-up connection. It should be noted that VOIP is illegal in the Gambia. The internet is also billed monthly.
Satelite TV is available with widely varying packages. Expect to pay equipment, installation and set up fees together with a monthly standing charge.

Other Useful Info
High calibre maids, gardeners and security staff are readily available, many with extensive experience gained in the luxury Gamban hotels. There are many European, Gambian and Arabic property maintenance firms with cost and quality varying considerably. We can provide suitable companies including references where necessary. As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the land and building value dependant upon type, location and use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates are also minimal. .

General Summary of Fees

Total official costs involved in purchasing property should be around 1%.
Lawyer's fees - approx.10% of the selling price (dependant upon the solicitor's set fees).
Agents are paid by the seller unless otherwise agreed (approx. up to 10% of the purchase price)

Gambia Holiday

We provide a wide range of business services, including direct access to the best and most comprehensive Gambia property sales and long term or holiday apartment rentals. With state of the art telecomunications, from our offices off Carnaby Street in London's West End and just off Karaiba Avenue in the Gambia we can advise and facilitate residential property purchases and sales, commercial property sales, rentals and leases, business start ups, transfers and marketing