President Adama Barrow recently laid a foundation stone for a 102 km road at Kabada as part of his government development plan in providing a good road network across the country.
The initiative is part of the government’s development endeavours in fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These goals according to the Gambian leader focus on building resilient infrastructure and making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
We are also engaged in such projects in accordance with our National Development Plan and my promise to the Gambian people. As we all know, roads are the world’s first social network, as people and goods need to move for our national economies to grow, for wealth creation, and for inclusive development and shared prosperity,” President Barrow said.
According to the Gambian leader, a good road network is a catalyst for development and it is his conviction that the construction of these roads will transform the lives and livelihood of the communities within the project catchment areas.
The president further stated the objectives of the construction of roads are to gain access to the remotest regions of the country, stimulate economic development, promote social cohesion, and alleviate poverty.
“It is in the same spirit that we are launching this project which, when completed, will promote intra-regional and cross-border trade. An expected outcome is that more and more goods that cannot be produced in the project region could be bought and transported affordably and speedily from regions where they are produced or are plentiful,” he noted.
He added: “With the construction and improvement of our road infrastructure, transport costs would be reduced, and more market activities generated. Economic linkages that enhance agricultural production and better profitable land use in the project area are expected results of this project. The construction of these new roads is expected to improve physical accessibility within the selected communities. It is also expected to immensely ease the travel time to schools and health services. As a result, the accomplishment of such projects would contribute to improving education, better healthcare services, and prosperous business opportunities in the regions.”
The Gambian leader finally appealed to the Ministry of Transport, the National Road Authority, and contractors to work in consultation to ensure that the project is implemented within the specified timeline and standards.
