By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow said on Saturday that some of his political opponents are attempting to obstruct his government’s road construction efforts through spiritual means, suggesting that the projects have become targets due to their potential political impact.
“Some take black Al-Fatihah, some kill black cows so that this work will not happen,” the president said.
Mr. Barrow made the remarks during a gathering in Tinkinjo, in the Basse area of the Upper River Region, where he launched new road projects covering Jimara, Kantora and Tumana.
He said persistent delays had at one point led him to consider abandoning the Hakalang road project. While emphasizing that he does not believe such spiritual practices can influence development outcomes, he acknowledged experiencing unease during the project’s implementation.
Despite the challenges, the president said he remained committed, citing faith and a sense of public duty as reasons for continuing. He pointed to the eventual completion and commissioning of the Hakalang road as evidence of his administration’s resolve.
Mr. Barrow added that the infrastructure initiatives undertaken during his nine years in office represent only the beginning of more expansive development plans.
“I did something no one has ever done, which is to lay a foundation stone of 1,500 kilometers of roads,” he said. “We are the first to do it in the history of The Gambia.”
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