President Adama Barrow has inaugurated the one hundred and twenty-one kilometres Laminkoto – Passimass road on Saturday. The inauguration ceremony was attended by different distinguished personalities across the country.
In his inaugural speech, President Barrow explained that “from Barra, the road connects the northern part to the southern part of the country. It is a symbol of development that will impact thousands of lives, as it will ease access to health care and education, while enhancing movement of people, goods and services. By all measures, it will further promote trade and regional connectivity. “
The President noted that the road comes with other advantages which improving access to the great agricultural potential of the north eastern region, facilitating effective implementation of the Government’s rural development programmes. Also, he said, the road will also stimulate the provision of better and more effective public services, including agricultural extension to encourage greater production.
“All these are critical to The Gambia’s food self-sufficiency drive and foreign exchange earnings. In sum, the project provides a viable pathway to economic prosperity and social progress,” he noted.
On behalf of the Government and people of The Gambia, President Barrow expressed his heartfelt appreciation of the people’s laudable contribution to the achievement of this component of the National Development Plan.
According to him, prior to the project, the Laminkoto-Passimas road had deteriorated badly due to a number of factors. A major factor was the uneven terrain through which the gravel road was built. Another factor was the absence of a proper in-built drainage system.
He added that the issue of drainage was one of the key factors considered during the project design process. As such, one hundred and twenty (120) culverts and drains have been constructed to ensure adequate drainage of both the main and access roads.
“I am proud to state that the development of this road mirrors our mission and commitment to raising living standards by creating platforms for economic growth and job creation, as enshrined in our National Development Plan,” he said.
He therefore urged users especially communities living along the corridor, to follow the traffic rules and all road safety regulations developed for our general safety and comfort so that all of us will continue to enjoy our roads with ease and comfort.
He described the successful completion of the project as a clear signpost of the implementation of the National Development Plan saying “we will continue to maintain and expand the urban, secondary and feeder road networks in order to improve accessibility and induce acceptable travel time between destinations for all travellers.