By Fatou Dahaba
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially opened a state-of-the-art three-storey tax office and fully furnished staff residence in Jarra Soma, Lower River Region, in a colourful ceremony attended by government officials, traditional leaders, taxpayers, and residents.
Valued at D19 million, the impressive complex comprises a modern ground-floor tax office with four offices, a conference room, reception area, and toilets, while the two upper floors house five en-suite apartments, a spacious living room, and a kitchenette for staff accommodation.
Of the total cost, D16 million went into construction and D3 million into high-quality furnishing, ensuring the building meets the highest standards of durability and functionality.
Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, described the facility as a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and bring services closer to the people.
“Domestic revenue remains the bedrock for funding critical investments in education, health, and infrastructure without over-reliance on external borrowing,” Minister Keita said. He praised the GRA for its remarkable performance, noting that tax collection has more than doubled from D11.6 billion in 2022 to a projected D25 billion by the end of this year – a growth trajectory that positions the Authority as one of the leading tax administrations in the sub-region.
The Minister revealed that ongoing reforms, including the planned roll-out of an integrated tax administration system, will further broaden the tax base and improve voluntary compliance nationwide.
GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe told the gathering that the vision for the Soma complex was born in 2022, with the twin objectives of providing taxpayers with a dignified, modern service environment and offering staff decent accommodation in a town outside the Greater Banjul Area.
Mr Darboe urged the staff posted to Soma to jealously guard and maintain the facility, warning that many public buildings lose their lustre due to poor upkeep. “Treat this complex as your own home and office. With proper care, it should serve Gambians for the next 100 years,” he stressed.
Board Chairperson Dawda Ndure said the opening marks a new chapter in customer-focused tax administration in the Lower River Region. “We want every trader, farmer, and business owner in Soma and surrounding communities to see the GRA not as a burden but as a partner in national development,” he noted.
Contractor Lamin Jobe of AK Construction expressed profound gratitude to the Government and GRA for the trust reposed in his company despite numerous challenges during implementation. “Every block laid here symbolises collaboration and shared commitment to progress,” Mr Jobe said.
Residents and traders who attended the event welcomed the new office, saying it will save them long, costly trips to Mansakonko or Banjul for tax-related services.
Officials say the Soma complex is more than bricks and mortar – it is a strategic investment that will boost revenue collection in one of the country’s fastest-growing commercial hubs while strengthening state presence and improving staff welfare in the provinces.
With the ribbon officially cut, the new GRA Soma Tax Office is now open for business, ready to serve the people of Lower River Region and beyond.
