Infrastructure first: Barrow pledges to build a modern Gambia
President Adama Barrow on Tuesday inspected major infrastructure projects across the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region, pledging to build “the foundation of development” through roads, factories, and tourism investments.
Accompanied by ministers, senior officials, and engineers, Barrow toured works he said are reshaping The Gambia’s economic and social landscape.
The visit began at the Salam Cement Factory in Banjul. The expansion project aims to boost local construction, create hundreds of jobs, and reduce unemployment. Barrow said Salam plans to move from bagging to manufacturing raw materials. “They need government support. We discussed how to support them,” he said.
The delegation also assessed the Kotu Bridge project, designed to improve mobility while enhancing eco-tourism in a renowned bird-watching area. Barrow then visited a five-star hotel under construction, a flagship hospitality investment expected to attract international visitors and create jobs across service industries.
At the Sukuta Traffic Lights flyover, aimed at easing congestion in one of the busiest urban corridors, Barrow told journalists: “These are normal routines of inspecting our roads. This is part of the 365km of roads we are currently doing countrywide.”
Works are progressing on Bertil Harding Highway Phase 3. Interlocking blocks are being installed in Senegambia, while reinforcement of the Sukuta–Jabang bridge deck and earthworks at Brusubi continue. Under EPC Lot 5, sealing is complete along Tabokoto–Abuko–Banjulinding and Wellingara–Abattoir, with focus shifting to drains and sidewalks. Asphalt laying is ongoing on Old Yundum–Jabang Road.
EPC Lot 6 has completed the sub-base at Truck Centre–Jambur–Yuna Intersection Road, with base course works underway. Sub-base works continue on Jambur–Banyaka stretch.
In West Coast Region, the 20.7 km EPC Lot 4 project by SOMAGEC is at advanced stages. Eight kilometres of Kalagi–Bundali Road are sealed. Sealing is complete on Jorem Nema Kunda–Jorem Bunda Kunda Road, with signage being installed. Works are progressing on Sangajor–Dasilami, Kanfenda–Mandina, and Giboro–Sohm roads. Kasa Kunda–Nyofelleh Road under Lot 7 is also advancing.
Barrow hailed the progress, noting many roads have been upgraded to asphalt. “That is real progress,” he said. “Nearly all projects under construction are already 80% complete. We expect to finish before year-end. Contractors are doing very well. Some have really surprised me, especially Bologel.”
Reiterating his infrastructure focus, Barrow declared: “There’s no country that is developed without infrastructure. Without it, we can’t have quality education, health, and energy. This is the foundation of development.”
He said achievements in the past seven years have surpassed those of the previous 52 years. “The projects are very visible.”
Barrow promised to lay foundations for about 1000km of roads nationwide. “We have to open up this country. Communication is very important. Without good roads, it will be difficult to develop as a nation.”
Five roads are complete and will soon be inaugurated. “Every week we will be inaugurating roads, health centres, and football fields. We are finishing the term on a very high mood in terms of development.”
Dismissing critics of road quality, he said: “Critics are always critics. When you give them the responsibility, most will not be able to do it. We are building first-class roads. Some will last 50 years, others 25 years. Their criticism is just because of politics.”
Source: The Point
