President Adama Barrow on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the 6-kilometre Garawol–Kusum road in Kantora District, marking another step in the government’s drive to improve infrastructure and promote development across The Gambia.
The ceremony, which drew thousands of residents and supporters, marked the beginning of the first phase of a broader project aimed at improving connectivity and economic opportunities in the Upper River Region (URR).
In his address, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive national development, noting that infrastructure remains central to his administration’s priorities. “In line with our promise to create inclusive development in The Gambia, my government continues to give top priority to infrastructure development and connectivity in all communities across the country,” he said.
The president described the Garawol–Kusum road as a crucial lifeline that will help residents access schools, health facilities, and markets with greater ease. “Today marks another milestone in this area,” he said. “This project is a timely fulfillment of a pledge to the residents of Garawol and the surrounding villages to ensure they receive a fair share of the government’s expanded infrastructure development.”
President Barrow revealed that a survey of 30 kilometres of road in the Upper River Region has already been completed, with the Garawol–Kusum stretch serving as the initial phase of the government’s National Development Program. He emphasized that infrastructure is the foundation of economic transformation, turning “aspirations into opportunities and bringing prosperity to the people.”
The Acting Director of the National Road Authority (NRA), Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, told the gathering that the road will be constructed to modern standards with an all-weather bituminous surface dressing to ensure durability and resilience against heavy seasonal rains. He said the design includes a 10-metre-wide carriageway with adequate shoulders for safety, as well as culverts, side drains, and erosion control features to protect the road’s structure.
Mr. Janneh assured the public that the NRA is committed to maintaining high standards. “The construction will be supervised by qualified engineers and executed by experienced contractors under strict quality control protocols adhering to national and international best practices,” he said. He also commended residents for their persistence and community spirit, adding, “Your resilience and advocacy have played a vital role in bringing this project to life.”
Both the president and the NRA director called for community ownership and collaboration throughout the project. President Barrow urged citizens to help monitor progress to ensure its full implementation, saying, “Let us embed the values of inclusive growth in everything we do and pursue our development agenda progressively from community to community.” Mr. Janneh also appealed for community support, both to facilitate construction and to safeguard the road once completed. “The success of this road project depends not only on government institutions and technical teams, but also on the active participation and ownership of the people it is meant to serve,” he said.
Mr. Janneh further disclosed that feasibility studies are being considered for the Kumbija Road linking Baniko and surrounding areas, as part of efforts to expand the region’s transport network.
National Assembly Member for Kantora, Bilai G. Tunkara, used the event to call on residents to continue supporting President Barrow’s development agenda. He said the progress being recorded in the URR reflects the government’s commitment to improving lives across the country.
The foundation stone laying for the Garawol–Kusum road is being hailed by residents as a sign of renewed hope and shared progress, promising better connectivity and greater opportunities for communities in the Upper River Region.
