Gambians Speak as Barrow’s Nationwide Tour Begins
By Makutu Manneh
The 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, in Section 1 subsection 2, states that the government derives its powers from the people and wields them to promote their welfare. As outlined in section 222 (15) of the 1997 Constitution, every sitting president should embark on a nationwide tour at least twice annually to engage citizens and gauge the impact of government policies.
Since assuming office, President Adama Barrow has dutifully fulfilled this obligation. Over eight years, he has traversed the country, meeting Gambians in remote villages and bustling towns. However, despite his frequent engagements and promises, the demands from citizens remain strikingly similar year after year.
Gambians have continually called for essential infrastructure and services to improve their lives, from health and water supply to roads, electricity, youth empowerment, and women’s gardens.
The Health Crisis
Access to quality healthcare remains a top priority for most communities. From 2019 to 2023, nearly every constituency has pleaded for new hospitals or upgrades to existing health posts.
In 2019, representatives from Chilla village in Upper Niumi highlighted that their sole health post in Kerr Cherno faced inadequate medicines. “We want Barrow to assist this health post with medicines and also establish another health facility for us,” said a village representative.
Last year, residents of Old Yundum reiterated similar concerns, prompting President Barrow to promise renovations and upgrades to their health post. However, these assurances have yet to fully materialize.
Clean Water: A Persistent Plea
Water supply and access to clean drinking water are among the most repeated demands. In 2018, residents of Bwiam and Sibanor in the Foni region described the dire state of their water sources. “Our boreholes produce red-colored water, making it undrinkable,” lamented Lamin Barrow, a Foni resident.
Five years later, the same issues persist. During a joint meeting in Foni Bintang and Brefet in November 2023, Masata Sanyang emphasized that their struggle to access water remains unresolved. Despite repeated pleas, the government’s response often shifts to unrelated topics, leaving communities frustrated.
Electricity: A Shimmering Promise
President Barrow has repeatedly pledged to electrify the entire country by 2025. Yet, access to electricity remains scarce in many rural areas.
In 2023, Haruna Barry, the National Assembly member for Jarra East, reminded the President of their urgent need for electricity. Communities such as Kiang Central, East, and West have echoed similar demands. Barrow reassured them, stating, “Electricity changes the lives of communities,” but many are still waiting to see this promise fulfilled.
Road Infrastructure
Good roads are vital for connectivity and economic growth, yet many Gambian communities grapple with poor infrastructure. In 2021, Barrow pledged to construct 1,200 kilometers of road within five years.
In the Tumana and Jimara constituencies, residents demanded better roads in 2022. While Barrow promised progress by 2025, communities like Kombo Lamin continue to struggle with unpaved roads, as highlighted in his 2023 tour.
Empowering Women Farmers
Women, who form a significant portion of The Gambia’s agricultural workforce, face unique challenges. From Foni Bambara to Kantora, they’ve consistently requested farming tools, gardens, and support for better yields.
In 2023, Barrow announced a D10 million allocation for women in the 2024 budget. However, communities remain skeptical, as previous promises of tractors and garden expansions remain unfulfilled.
Youth Empowerment and Skill Centers
Youth unemployment is another pressing concern. Communities have called for skill centers to provide training and reduce irregular migration.
In his 2022 tour, Barrow pledged to create 150,000 jobs over five years and announced a deal with Saudi Arabia to facilitate youth employment abroad. However, young people from areas like Kiang Central still lack access to local opportunities that could secure their futures.
Education and Security Needs
Education is another recurring demand. Residents of Tallinding have long requested for a senior secondary school to serve their growing population. While Barrow promised to collaborate with MRC Holland to provide one, the project’s progress remains unclear.
Security concerns have also been raised. Many communities report inadequate police mobility and frequent delays in emergency responses. In Sami, Sheriff Sallah shared the alarming frequency of armed robberies and called for a local police post.
A Nation Waiting
As President Barrow embarks on his latest nationwide tour, the recurring nature of these demands raises questions about the fulfillment of previous promises. While his government cites achievements, the voices from the ground suggest that much remains to be done.
For Gambians, this year’s tour is yet another opportunity to remind the government of their needs. For Barrow, it’s a chance to prove that his administration’s promises are more than just words. Whether this year will bring tangible change or add to the list of unfulfilled commitments remains to be seen.
