By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow has laid the foundation stone for the construction of 20 roads in the Greater Banjul Area at a ceremony held in Brufut on Wednesday.
The construction of these 50-kilometer roads is part of the preparations for the OIC Summit to be hosted by The Gambia next year (2022).
The aforesaid roads are expected to be equipped with street lights, drainage, and sidewalks.
Speaking at the event, President Barrow said the roads have been designed to ease access to densely populated communities of Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region.
“There are towns and settlements that has been isolated for decades due to poor accessibility, yet the situation continues to be ignored,” he said
The president said the project is intended to decongest major roads such as the Bertil Harding highway,
Westfield-Sukuta road and Westfiel-Brikama highway. Barrow went on to say that the construction of these busy roads will solve the difficulties of school children, patients, business persons and numerous commuters who struggle every day to board a vehicle to their destinations.
The Leader of the National People’s Party added that the project will enhance access to schools, hospitals and other social amenities and services throughout the country.
“The completion of the roads will expand urban road networks to accommodate the increasing volume of road traffic and address the need for more effective road safety measures as well as set up an efficient drainage system within the Greater Banjul Area,’’ President Barrow stated.
“The construction of roads where needed can boost commercial engagements and improve the image of urban settings. The project will also contribute to poverty reduction.”
Yankuba Dibba, the CEO of OIC Secretariat Gambia, said their projects have the potential to significantly transform and impact positively on the development trajectory of The Gambia.
“The OIC secretariat remains focused, committed and on track to accomplish the goals and objectives of our mandate,” he said.
He assured the public that the OIC Gambia secretariat and its partners will leave no stone unturned to make the Gambia proud.
“Our urban network requires upgrading and expansion to meet the increasing traffic demand, to provide more alternative road options and to foster a sanitary environment in urban communities,” said Bai Lamin Jobe, Minister of Works.
Baba Galleh Jallow, National Assembly Member for Sannehmentereng, and Malamin Manneh, Alikalo of Brufut, both welcomed the construction of the Brufut road and commended the government’s efforts.
