by Sohna Tunkara
The Gambia is witnessing significant progress in road infrastructure development as the government, through the National Roads Authority (NRA), continues to construct and rehabilitate roads aimed at improving connectivity, mobility, and access to essential services across the country.
Over the years, President Adama Barrow has inaugurated several completed road projects, linking communities that previously faced challenges due to poor or inadequate road networks. These investments have contributed to improved transportation, enhanced economic activities, and better access to social services for thousands of residents.
For communities that have benefited from these developments, the impact has been life-changing. Khaddyjatou Secka, a resident of Wullinkama, described the newly constructed Brusubi–Wullinkama road as a major transformation for the area, recalling the difficulties residents experienced before its completion.
“Before the Brusubi–Wullinkama road was constructed, transportation in the area was very difficult. The road was in poor condition, with numerous potholes and rough patches, making movement stressful for both drivers and passengers. During the rainy season, the situation became even worse as the road would become muddy and flooded in some areas, making it almost impossible for vehicles to pass,” she said.
She noted that the improved road network has brought relief to residents by making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, particularly during the rainy season.
Due to the poor road conditions, many commercial drivers were reluctant to use the road, fearing preventable damage to their vehicles. As a result, Secka explained “residents often had to wait a long time before finding a vehicle willing to use the road.”
Secka emphasised that even when drivers agreed to take passengers, they usually increased transport fares because of the road conditions. “This made daily commuting expensive, tiring, and unreliable for many people in the community,” she lamented.
The road spans from Brufut Ghanatown, linking Brusubi and Wullinkama towards the main highway connecting to Sukuta Traffic Light.
Standard roads are integral to any nation’s development, as they facilitate trade, improve access to education and healthcare, and connect communities to economic opportunities.
Lamin Bojang, a commercial driver who has used the Brusubi–Wullinkama–Turntable route for years, echoed similar challenges. He explained that before the road was upgraded, drivers struggled with potholes, dust, and frequent vehicle breakdowns, making it difficult to earn a daily living. Bojang noted that the situation has improved significantly over the past three years since the road was upgraded.
The Brusubi–Wullinkama road is part of the community roads constructed under the OIC 50km Urban Roads Project. With support from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the Government of The Gambia, through the National Roads Authority (NRA), is implementing this project, which includes the construction of 17 community roads across urban areas of the country, divided into Lots 1 and 2.
While significant progress has been made on all 17 road projects, with most at advanced stages of construction, the Communications Officer of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Mr. Arfang M.S. Camara, said none of the roads has been fully completed. He noted that the Authority continues to work closely with contractors and consultants to ensure the timely completion of the projects in line with the required quality standards.
Under the OIC 50km Urban Roads Project, the Kanifing Municipality has received the largest share of the investment, with 11 roads currently under construction, while the West Coast Region is benefiting from six road projects.
Responding to questions about expanding the initiative to other communities, Mr. Camara acknowledged that many parts of the country still require improved road infrastructure. However, he explained that the current project is limited in scope and cannot accommodate all the identified needs.
The OIC Urban Roads Project has significantly enhanced The Gambia’s road infrastructure, improving connectivity, mobility, and access to communities. Describing the roads as a national asset that belongs to all Gambians, Mr. Camara urged road users to obey traffic regulations, safeguard the infrastructure from damage, and keep drainage systems free of waste to ensure the roads remain safe, functional, and sustainable for future generations.
