Barrow’s North Bank Road Push Targets Rural Connectivity and Economic Growth

By CTV Africa

NORTH BANK REGION, The Gambia — President Adama Barrow on Sunday inaugurated the newly completed 17-kilometre Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road and launched a further 52.1 kilometres of road construction under the Lot 6 Roads Project, as the government intensifies efforts to improve connectivity across the North Bank Region.

The projects form part of the government’s Connect Gambia Infrastructure Initiative, which seeks to expand and modernise the country’s road network while improving links between communities and creating greater access to economic and social opportunities.

Fully funded by the Government of The Gambia, the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road was constructed by Bajam Construction Limited under the supervision of the National Roads Authority (NRA).

The newly completed road is expected to ease movement for residents and businesses, improve access to markets and essential services, and support economic activity in communities along the corridor.

For predominantly rural communities, improved road connectivity is expected to have a direct impact on the movement of agricultural produce, access to schools and health facilities, and the time and cost involved in travelling between settlements.

During the same programme, President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the 52.1-kilometre Lot 6 Roads Project, which comprises 15 road links across the North Bank Region.

Foundation stones were laid for the 5-kilometre Kerewan road link and the 6-kilometre Daru Rilwan–Kerr Saikou Taal–Kerr Pateh road link, marking the start of another phase of road infrastructure development in the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow said the projects represent more than the construction of physical infrastructure, describing them as investments in improved service delivery, better living conditions and expanded development opportunities.

He said the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road demonstrates what can be achieved through focus, determination and collective effort, adding that the road would improve access to social services, stimulate economic activity and enhance safety and security.

NRA Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh Janneh described the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies as important milestones in the government’s broader efforts to connect communities and bring development closer to the Gambian people.

Janneh stressed that road infrastructure remains a key driver of economic development, noting that improved roads reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and connect producers and businesses to markets.

He also highlighted the importance of reliable road networks in strengthening access to healthcare, education and other essential public services.

With the completion of the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda corridor and the launch of the Lot 6 project, attention will now turn to implementation and whether the infrastructure translates into tangible improvements for communities across the region.

The government says its continued investment in road infrastructure is aimed at addressing connectivity gaps and creating the conditions for stronger rural economies and more inclusive national development.

Additional Reporting from the National Road Authority.