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Written: by Alieu Jallow
President Adama Barrow has reiterated his government’s determination to expand The Gambia’s road network, saying his administration will continue investing in infrastructure to improve connectivity and create economic opportunities for communities across the country.
President Barrow made the remarks on Wednesday, August 19, in Tanji, West Coast Region, during his ongoing Connect Gambia Roads Infrastructure Tour, where he launched road projects covering a combined 36.1 kilometres across six locations.
“We are very determined and we are very sure of what we are doing. Whenever I lay a stone, the grader will follow, and very soon you will see the graders,” President Barrow said.
He also thanked Gambians for their support, as well as members of his Cabinet.
The projects are intended to improve connections between communities, facilitate the movement of people and goods, open up underserved areas and support economic activities, particularly trade and agriculture.
Six Road Projects Launched in West Coast Region
The projects launched by the President cover six key corridors in the West Coast Region:
- Brikama–Jidda Baba Njie–Toubakuta Road: 6.2 kilometres
- Brikama Newtown Road–Kitty Junction: 2.4 kilometres
- Lamin Waa Juwara–Box Ba Road–Jah Oil, Brikama: 1 kilometre
- Lamin CDC–Kubariko–Makumbaya–Galoya–Kubuneh–Kunkujang Jataya–Mandinaring Road: 15 kilometres
- Hamat Bah Junction–OIC Road: 1.3 kilometres
- Jabang–Yuna–Madiana–Tanji Road: 10.2 kilometres
Together, the six projects cover 36.1 kilometres of road works launched during the Tanji leg of the tour.
The projects form part of the government’s broader Connect Gambia infrastructure initiative, which aims to expand the country’s road network and improve access between communities and economic centres.
The National Roads Authority has previously described road infrastructure as a key pillar of national development, citing its role in improving mobility and access to economic opportunities.
The Connect Gambia programme has already seen road projects launched in several regions. In May, President Barrow laid foundation stones for major road networks in the Upper River and Central River regions, including projects covering more than 100 kilometres in the Central River Region.
More recently, the President launched major road projects in the North Bank Region as part of the government’s efforts to improve access to markets, public services and economic opportunities.
For communities in the West Coast Region, the latest projects are expected to ease transportation challenges and strengthen links between residential areas, markets and major roads.
Road construction has become a major part of the government’s infrastructure agenda, with the administration arguing that better connectivity can reduce isolation, facilitate trade and support agricultural production.
Barrow’s remarks in Tanji also appeared aimed at assuring communities that the foundation stone ceremonies would be followed by actual construction.
“Whenever I lay a stone, the grader will follow,” the President said, insisting that work on the newly launched roads would soon become visible on the ground.
