By Yunus S. Saliu
The ongoing road development in Kiang Kabada, located south of the South Bank road, is being hailed as a transformative project for the region. This new road will connect several key areas, including Jappineh, South Soma, and Basse, running from Kolior to Jappineh. The project is set to link over 20 villages, dramatically improving accessibility and opening up previously isolated areas.
This was disclosed at the ongoing Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI) official countrywide tour of the ongoing road project sites across the country.
Explaining the efficiency and progress of the visited EPC Lots 4 and 3 Kiang West Roads in the Lower River Region and West Coast Region under the Rural Roads category, on Monday, Ousman Sanyang, Managing Director of National Road Authority (NRA) said the project is part of a larger initiative involving 12 roads, spanning a total of 102 kilometers.
He divulged that work is currently underway on 11 roads, with only one road pending. Notably, much of the progress thus far has focused on base and sub-base work. The project, initially planned for completion in four years, is now expected to be finished two years ahead of schedule, thanks to the dedication and efficiency of the contractors involved, he noted.
The NRA boss disclosed that one of the key factors behind the project’s accelerated timeline is the significant investment in resources, equipment, and manpower. The contractor has implemented a day-and-night shift system, ensuring that work progresses continuously. This model of resource allocation has proven successful, demonstrating that with the right investment, major infrastructure projects can be completed ahead of schedule and deliver exceptional results.
Mahtar Ceesay, Permanent Secretary at MOTWI, highlighted the significant progress on a major road project and praised the contractor for working tirelessly to complete it ahead of schedule. This road will connect previously isolated communities in the Kiang region, which have lacked major infrastructure.
Ceesay emphasized how the road will improve access to development, social services, and economic opportunities, particularly for farming areas. It will also help reduce the migration of youth to the capital, Banjul, by creating more local economic activity and promoting national development. Overall, he believes this project will play a key role in the country’s growth and address some of the challenges faced by rural areas.
Ken Johnson, the Resident Engineer for the Kiang West project, explained that the road development is split into three phases. Phase 1 covers critical links such as Kwinella to Wellingara, Tabanani, Madina, and other communities. Phase 2 will connect communities like Sare Sajo, Nioro, and Sare Samba, while Phase 3 will extend to areas like Missira, Senoba Jonki, and Buiba Mandika.
Mass Faye, Supervising Consultant from GAMECS reiterated that the total project spans 102 kilometers across 12 roads. Work is underway on 11 of the roads, with only one road yet to be started. Most of the progress so far involves base and sub-base work. Originally planned for completion in four years but the project aims to finish two years ahead of schedule.
The road design, he said, is double surface dressing, 3.5 on either side was 1.5 on either side the road furniture, of course, comes with signs, traffic signs, guard rails, speed hubs, and so forth, as well as the drainage, drainage structures with ace the Irish crossings, culverts, as well as side edges.
Hong Feng Niu, the Managing Director of Long Jian, a Chinese construction company contracted for the project Thanked MoTWI for this project while giving a short background of the company’s presence in The Gambia and as well outlined their other construction works in the country notably among them are the bridge, road construction and so on.
The Inspection Team was led by the Minister of MOTWI, Honourable Ebrima Sillah, and was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary including other senior officials at the MOWI and NRA.
However, the road’s impact will be profound, providing vital connections for over 20 communities and creating new opportunities for economic development in the region. The project is a shining example of what can be achieved when contractors focus on efficiency and invest in the necessary resources.