Barrow Inaugurates Over 104km of Roads in URR and LRR, Promises Development Across Gambia

Written by: Mama A. Touray

President Adama Barrow has inaugurated more than 104 kilometres of roads in the Upper River Region (URR) and Lower River Region (LRR), promising to extend infrastructure development to communities across The Gambia.

The two government-funded projects include the 13.9-kilometre Basse Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel road in URR, inaugurated on Friday, and the 91-kilometre Kiang Kabada road network in LRR, officially opened on Saturday.

Speaking at the inauguration in Basse, President Barrow described the completion of the 13.9-kilometre road as the fulfilment of a promise to communities that had struggled for years with poor road access, particularly during the rainy season.

“For many years, the people of Numuyel, Demba Kunda, Manneh Kunda and the neighboring villages have struggled with poor road access, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

The President explained that the new road would improve the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services while providing easier access to markets and essential public facilities.

He also stressed that infrastructure development should benefit all Gambians, regardless of where they live.

“Development cannot and must not be concentrated in one part of the country. Instead, progress must be shared by all Gambians,” Barrow said.

In Kiang Kabada, where residents have endured decades of difficult road conditions, the President said the new network would improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets while creating opportunities for businesses and farmers.

“These roads will bring farmers closer to markets, shorten travel time for families and traders, and ease access to schools and health centres across Kabada,” he said.

The Kiang Kabada network includes seven intersections with the Trans-Gambia corridor and improved connections towards the southern border with Senegal. Barrow said the roads were constructed to international standards, with culverts and other road infrastructure designed to improve safety and accessibility.

He also praised the contractors for completing the Kabada project approximately a year ahead of schedule.

“Delivering a project of this scale a year ahead of the schedule, and to this standard is a rare commendable achievement,” he said, encouraging other contractors working on government projects to follow the example.

Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah said the projects form part of the government’s wider plan to improve rural connectivity, support economic activities and make essential services more accessible.

The projects were undertaken by GAI Construction, supervised by Cityscape Associates, and China’s Longjian Construction, supervised by the Pace-GAMECS joint venture.

President Barrow thanked the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, the National Roads Authority and the contractors for their roles in completing the projects, reiterating his government’s intention to expand road infrastructure across the country.