President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising development and strengthening regional governance following the official inauguration of a newly constructed Governor’s Office and Residence in Basse, Upper River Region.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration ceremony, President Barrow underscored the importance of regional governors as direct representatives of the presidency at the regional level.
“Governor is a big responsibility. Governor is directly representing the president at the regional level,” President Barrow said.
He explained that the construction of modern administrative facilities is intended to provide regional governors with a conducive working environment while enhancing the dignity and efficiency of government institutions outside the Greater Banjul Area.
“We are now building structures that are everlasting structures that create a very conducive environment for the governor to do his work, and also so that when people visit, there is respect because of that environment,” he added.
The new facility in Basse forms part of a broader government initiative to improve and standardise administrative infrastructure across Gambia’s administrative regions. President Barrow said similar projects have already been undertaken, including in Mansa Konko, with plans to replicate the facilities in other regions.
According to the President, improving official accommodation and working conditions in the provinces will make it easier for senior government officials to accept postings outside the capital and perform their duties effectively.
“If you transfer a governor from the Greater Banjul Area, he will not hesitate to come and stay here, because the comfort and the environment they have within the regions is even better than the capital,” he said.
President Barrow described the investment in regional administrative infrastructure as part of a wider national modernisation programme being pursued by his administration. He pointed to ongoing developments in roads, electricity, healthcare and education, saying the government is implementing projects across multiple sectors despite limited resources.
“The entire country we are trying to modernise. We are building roads, doing electricity, health facilities, schools, you name it,” Barrow said. “Simultaneously, we are doing all at the same time with limited resources, but we have been very, very innovative.”
The President expressed appreciation to development partners and public institutions supporting the government’s infrastructure programmes, while urging Gambians to play an active role in the country’s development.
“Gambia is moving; Gambia is growing,” he affirmed. “We are calling on every Gambian to come and join this crusade. The end of the tunnel is very, very bright.”
President Barrow further pledged his administration’s continued support for projects aimed at improving infrastructure and transforming the country.
“As President, I will give all the support, day and night, to make sure that we change the face of The Gambia,” he said.
