By Seedy Jobe
President Adama Barrow on Tuesday conducted an extensive inspection of major infrastructure projects across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region, using the tour to highlight what he described as unprecedented progress in road construction under his administration.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Works, the National Roads Authority, security services, and members of the media, the president reviewed a series of ongoing projects forming part of the government’s 365-kilometre nationwide road development program.
Among the sites visited were Phase III of the OIC Highway, the Sukuta–Jabang Junction flyover, the Old Yundum–Jabang Highway, the Abuko–Wellingara Road, the Kassa Kunda–Nyofelleh Road, the Jalaba–Kuyateh Junction Road in Brikama, the Giboro–Faraba Sohm–Faraba Sutu Road, and construction works at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre, where accommodation facilities for delegates are underway.
Speaking to reporters after the tour, Barrow said the inspection was part of routine monitoring efforts and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, particularly since his last visit three months ago.
“We have seen significant progress. Many of the roads have now been asphalted, and nearly 80 percent of the projects are approaching completion,” he said.
The president commended contractors for accelerating work ahead of the rainy season, singling out Bologel Construction for its performance and adoption of new methods that, he said, have improved efficiency. He expressed confidence that between 80 and 90 percent of the projects would be completed before the onset of rains.
During the tour, Barrow also visited Salam, a local cement producer, which he said is seeking government and financial sector support to expand into full-scale manufacturing using local raw materials. He pledged that the Ministry of Finance would explore ways to facilitate partnerships with banks to support the company’s growth.
“These are Gambian businessmen who should be encouraged. Supporting them will strengthen local industry and boost production capacity,” he said.
Barrow used the occasion to defend his government’s infrastructure record, arguing that it underpins broader national development across sectors such as education, healthcare, and energy.
“There is no country that is developed without infrastructure,” he said. “In the past seven years, we have achieved more than what was realized in the previous 52 years.”
The president also announced plans to launch additional projects in the near future, targeting more than 1,000 kilometres of new roads nationwide. He emphasized that improving connectivity remains central to his administration’s development agenda.
Responding to criticism about the quality of some road projects, Barrow dismissed such claims as politically motivated. He maintained that the roads being constructed meet high standards and are designed for long-term durability.
“We are building first-class roads—some designed to last 25 to 50 years,” he said, adding that proper maintenance would be key to extending their lifespan.
While acknowledging the presence of critics, Barrow insisted that the scale and pace of infrastructure development under his government speak for themselves, framing the ongoing projects as critical to opening up the country and sustaining economic growth.
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