Barrow announces 700km road expansion to connect neglected communities
President Adama Barrow has delivered a stirring State of the Nation Address, unveiling the construction of an additional 700 kilometres of roads across The Gambia.
The announcement, made as part of his constitutional duty, underscored infrastructure as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision to connect communities, stimulate economic growth and improve the daily lives of Gambians.
Highlighting achievements across agriculture, health, education, tourism, and security sector reforms, Barrow painted a picture of a nation on the move.
He emphasised that road development remains a top priority, with projects already transforming neglected regions since independence.
The President framed the ambitious expansion not only as a physical network of roads but as a symbol of national renewal—linking people, opportunities, and progress in every corner of the country.
The President said: “Additionally, through innovative financing methods, the construction of about seven hundred kilometres (700km) of new roads will commence soon. These new roads were strategically selected to complement the already existing network.
“Furthermore, with funding from the World Bank-supported GIRAV Project, the Government will shortly lay the foundation stone for approximately two hundred kilometres (200km) of roads in the rural parts of our Local Government Areas.
“Statistically, upon completion of these projects, my government would register more than fifty percent (50%) of the four thousand kilometres (4000km) total surveyed roads nationwide. I am fully committed to ensuring that all communities are connected with a reliable means of transportation.
“My administration continues to work tirelessly to close our infrastructure gaps. Since 2017, the Government has constructed over one thousand, two hundred kilometres (1,200 Km) of all-weather roads, significantly improving national connectivity. In 2025, the 84-Km Niumi-Hakalang Road was inaugurated, and the Kiang West, and Brufut-Madiana-Bainyaka roads have reached advanced stages.
“Three of the OIC roads have progressed satisfactorily, with completion of the Sukuta overpass expected this year. By the end of 2026, my government will have added an additional three hundred and seventy-five kilometres (375km) of paved roads to the overall network. This expansion is being implemented through an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, fully funded by the Government of The Gambia, at an estimated cost of about nine billion dalasis (GMD9 billion).”
Source: The Point
