Sulayman S. Janneh, Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA)
By Makutu Manneh
The managing director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, has attributed The Gambia’s persistent road infrastructure deficit to what he described as limited investment by previous administrations, while pointing to recent construction efforts as a shift in approach.
Speaking on the state of the country’s road network, Mr. Janneh said earlier governments led by Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh had not undertaken sufficient development to keep pace with national needs.
“Had the previous governments of Jawara and Jammeh done as much as the government of President Adama Barrow is doing, we would have been much further ahead today as far as the infrastructural development of this country is concerned,” he said.
Mr. Janneh emphasized that road connectivity is central to economic and social development, noting that transport networks link communities to essential services such as markets, schools, and health facilities. He said the current administration has placed increased focus on expanding and upgrading the country’s road infrastructure.
He added that many of the roads being constructed under the Barrow government are designed to meet higher durability standards. While acknowledging that some roads built during Mr. Jammeh’s tenure have proven resilient, he said earlier construction methods often did not meet internationally recognized benchmarks.
Mr. Janneh also pointed to the deteriorating condition of older roads, saying many have fallen into disrepair and require reconstruction, particularly in urban areas.
“Now, we are gradually coming back to reconstruct some of those roads, especially in the urban area,” Janneh said.
He said the adoption of improved construction techniques is intended to ensure longer-lasting infrastructure, describing quality and durability as central priorities for the authority moving forward.
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