By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Saturday, 17th August headed a team of government officials on an inspection tour of construction sites of some major infrastructure projects in the urban area. They include them the two-storey building The Gambia College student dormitory, being constructed by Gigo Construction Company; Technical, Vocational Education and Training Centre (TVET) by Kurubally Construction Company, located in Brikama; the 1500-bed capacity Farato Hospital, by Shapoorji Pallonji Construction Company of India; the state-of-the-earth National Food and Drug Quality Laboratory in Brusubi, being constructed by Swami India; and the Independence Stadium by Gigo Construction Company, which is undergoing a major face-lift.
Speaking to the press at the Independence Stadium at the end of the tour, President Barrow said overall he is happy with the progress and achievements of the projects, while recognising the challenges.
He affirmed that this was part of their routine – going around inspecting project sites. “These projects social projects are very important. I have signed a contract with the Gambian people – having been elected into office - to make sure that I make impact in the lives of Gambian people,” President Barrow remarked.
He recognised the efforts of Minister of Information, Dr Ismail Ceesay, whom he said is doing everything possible to make sure that government projects are visible. “People in Upper River Region and Central River Region also need to see what we are doing here”.
Further highlighting the importance of his visits to project sites, the President said aside the visibility, by such visits they put pressure on the contractors, and consultants and the partners are well informed.
He went on: “We are doing a lot of things in different areas and sectors: sports, road, energy and many others”.
He however called on Gambians to exercise a little bit of patience, pointing out that the economy is not that strong and that the country is constrained in terms of resources. He said they are employing innovative financing.
The President praised his team for their dedication, noting that he is trying to build a good team that can make a difference in a very short period of time.
“We have the support of our partners; our score card is impressive when it comes to media freedom, respecting the rule of law, and freedom of expression. Our target is very high. We have raised the bar very high”.
Commenting on the ban on the Stadium, President Barrow said it is rather unfortunate but blamed the previous administration for neglecting the Stadium.”This is not our making but government is continuity; so we have to make sure that we fix this stadium. Before building another one we have to think of fixing this one first, and then we can start thinking of building another one”.
Honourable Dr Ismaila Ceesy, Minister of Information, said President Barrow’s government is implementing development projects across all sectors, and that the parallel development activities in the country have never been seen before.
He commended the President for his foresight, innovative thinking, and for generating resources internally.
“The President is a visionary leader. In no time we will see the fruits of these infrastructural developments,” he stated.
