President Adama Barrow has announced plans for a major expansion of The Gambia’s road network, pledging the construction of approximately 1,600 kilometres of roads as part of his government’s broader programme to modernise infrastructure and accelerate national development.
Speaking to journalists in Tanji during a foundation-stone-laying ceremony for several road projects in the West Coast Region, President Barrow said improved infrastructure would be central to his administration’s efforts to transform the country over the next five years.
“No infrastructure, no development. Development is based on infrastructure. When the roads come, others follow,” Barrow said.
The President said his government’s infrastructure agenda goes beyond road construction, stressing that investment in transportation must be accompanied by improvements in health, education, electricity and water supply.
“It is not only roads that we are doing. Simultaneously, we are doing roads, health facilities, schools, electricity infrastructure and water,” he said.
Barrow said the government was determined to accelerate development after what he described as decades of missed opportunities.
“We waste about 52 years of the Gambian time and resources. Now is the time for Gambians to enjoy,” he said.
The President also expressed renewed determination to deliver visible improvements during the next five years, saying he wanted the country to experience significant transformation.
“I’m becoming hungrier and more aggressive, very innovative also, to make sure that in the next five years, Gambia will definitely change,” Barrow told reporters. “It will change for the better. It will change the life of the Gambian people.”
At Tanji, the President acknowledged the community’s longstanding demand for a modern road, telling residents that construction would begin soon.
“The Tanji people have been waiting for 60 years for this road,” he said. Addressing the Alkalo, he added: “Very soon you will see the graders here. Whatever we are doing is real.”
Despite heavy rainfall, residents and local leaders attended the ceremony as the government launched a number of road projects intended to improve connectivity between communities and facilitate economic activity across the region.
Among the projects for which foundation stones were laid are the 6.2-kilometre Brikama Jidda, Baba Njie Toubakuta Road, the 15-kilometre Lamin CDC, Kubariko, Makumbaya, Galoya, Kubuneh, Kunkujang Jataya, Mandinaring Road, and the 10.2-kilometre Jabang, Yuna, Madiana, Tanji Road.
The projects form part of a wider government strategy to improve rural connectivity, reduce transportation difficulties and support economic activity in communities that have historically faced inadequate road infrastructure.
Barrow also referred to discussions with the President of Zambia on the importance of transport infrastructure in national development, arguing that good roads can help stimulate investment and encourage the growth of businesses and other economic activities.
