By Seedy Jobe
President Adama Barrow on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating development across the country, telling a gathering of Muslim elders in the capital that his government would press ahead with major projects even as international advisers urge restraint.
Speaking at the State House after the meeting, Mr. Barrow said recent discussions with officials from the International Monetary Fund had included advice to slow the pace of public investment. He rejected that guidance, framing rapid development as a core obligation of his administration.
“The speed we are moving is very fast,” he said, recounting the IMF’s concerns. “But developing the country is the government’s mandate.”
Mr. Barrow pointed to ongoing efforts to overhaul the country’s water infrastructure, describing an ambitious program to replace aging overhead tanks and construct new reservoirs. He said the upgrades were nearing completion and highlighted the drilling of deep boreholes—some exceeding 400 meters—as a first for the country.
The president also addressed rising concerns over cement prices, describing the commodity as central to national development and defending recent executive actions aimed at stabilizing the market. He called for vigilance and public awareness in monitoring those involved in the sector.
In remarks that blended policy with personal resolve, Mr. Barrow pledged to renovate Banjul’s central mosque, suggesting he would commit significant resources to the project despite fiscal constraints. “It is worth my breaking the bank,” he said, adding that he often seeks to replicate developments he observes abroad in The Gambia.
Turning to politics, Mr. Barrow urged citizens to safeguard peace and stability as the country approaches an election year. He cautioned voters against being swayed by partisan rhetoric and warned that political tensions could escalate if not carefully managed.
“An election year is sensitive,” he said. “Let us work to organize an election that is peaceful and transparent—one the world will recognize as legitimate.”
He concluded by praising business owners for lowering the prices of essential goods during Ramadan, calling the trend unusual and worthy of public appreciation.
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