Barrow Inaugurates 50-Kilometre Urban Roads Project, Says Infrastructure Will Benefit Gambians for Decades

By Omar Cham

President Adama Barrow has officially inaugurated the 50-kilometre Urban Roads Project, Lot 2, comprising components 6, 9 and 20, describing the infrastructure as a long-term investment in the people and future of The Gambia.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Barrow said the completion of the project marks a major milestone in the country’s urban infrastructure development and forms part of the enduring legacy of The Gambia’s successful hosting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in 2024.

The President, however, stressed that the roads should not be viewed solely as infrastructure developed to prepare the country for the international summit.

“Today, we are enjoying some of its lasting benefits,” Barrow said, noting that the infrastructure would remain in place to serve Gambians for decades.

According to him, the social and economic benefits of the project far exceed its monetary value, as the roads are expected to improve mobility, facilitate the movement of goods and services, enhance accessibility and contribute to the development and modernisation of urban communities.

President Barrow said urban roads are critical infrastructure assets in a growing country because they connect residential communities with commercial centres, businesses with markets, workers with workplaces and families with essential services.

He therefore described the project as a transformation of what was initially an investment linked to the OIC Summit into a long-term national development asset.

The President also acknowledged the contribution of development partners, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Fund for Development, whose support he said was instrumental to the country’s infrastructure development initiatives.

He further expressed appreciation to the OIC and all stakeholders whose partnership contributed to the successful hosting of the summit and the implementation of the major roads project.

With the roads now completed, President Barrow called on Gambians to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure its sustainability through proper maintenance and protection.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that the infrastructure continues to deliver value,” he said, urging citizens and road users to protect the roads for future generations.

Barrow also linked the completion of the project to the broader development of The Gambia’s rapidly growing towns and cities.

He said the country must continue to develop urban infrastructure alongside urban growth, with the aim of creating communities that are better connected, safer and more accessible while providing an enabling environment for economic activities.

The President encouraged private-sector actors, entrepreneurs and communities to take advantage of the economic opportunities that could emerge around the newly developed roads.

He commended the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, the National Roads Authority, the Saudi Fund for Development, the OIC, contractors, engineers, consultants and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

Local authorities, traditional leaders, community representatives and residents along the project sites were also thanked for their cooperation and support.

Reflecting on the 2024 OIC Summit, President Barrow said the event demonstrated The Gambia’s ability to welcome the world and deliver on a major international commitment.

He noted that the infrastructure developed in preparation for the summit now belongs to the Gambian people and will continue to serve generations beyond the event itself.

The President also used the occasion to address the continuing conflicts in the Middle East and called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts around the world.

He said the spirit of the OIC and its values of peace, security and inclusive development should continue to guide the country’s appreciation of the urban roads project and its approach to national development.

President Barrow subsequently declared the 50-kilometre Urban Roads Project, comprising components 6, 9 and 20 under Lot 2, officially open to the public.

The project, he said, represents not only improved roads but an opportunity to strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic activity and support the long-term development of The Gambia’s urban communities.