By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Saturday launched several major road construction projects across the Upper River Region (URR) and parts of the Central River Region (CRR), reaffirming his government’s commitment to nationwide infrastructure development and community connectivity.
Accompanied by the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, National Roads Authority (NRA) Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh, and other senior government officials, President Barrow laid foundation stones for a number of strategic road projects aimed at improving transportation, trade, and access to essential services in rural communities.
The projects include the Mankamang Kunda–Julangel Road in Jimara, Basse Market – Manneh Kunda Road and the Basse –Kaba Kama Road. The President also visited ongoing road projects linking communities in Tumana and Kantora districts, including the Basse MRC– Dampha Kunda –Tambasansang Road, Suduwol–Missiraba Mariama–Nyamanari Road, and roads connecting Tinkinjo, Sanunding, Dingiring, Madina Samako and Diabugu Ba Sillah.
Addressing residents during a community meeting in Tinkinjo Village, President Barrow said roads remain a key pillar of his government’s national development agenda.
“Roads are meant to connect communities, reduce isolation, improve trade, and help farmers transport their produce to markets,” he stated. “Our goal is to connect the entire country so that no Gambian is left behind.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s plan to construct 1,500 kilometres of roads nationwide under the Yiriwa National Development Plan, describing infrastructure development as critical to transforming The Gambia into a middle-income country.
He said improved roads would enhance access to healthcare, education, agriculture, security services, and markets across the country.
“When we came into office in 2017, we promised a New Gambia. Today, we are implementing that vision through roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, water supply, and agricultural modernisation,” President Barrow added.
National Roads Authority Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh said Gambian engineers and young professionals are actively contributing to the implementation of the road projects.
“These young men and women have conducted feasibility studies and are actively contributing to national development efforts ,” he said.
Community leaders and National Assembly Members from the region welcomed the projects and praised the government for extending development initiatives to remote areas.
Earlier on Friday, President Barrow inaugurated the newly completed Demba Kunda Mosque in Basse Constituency, describing the project as a symbol of unity, cooperation, and community-driven development.
The mosque was constructed through community labour and contributions from residents of Demba Kunda Village.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, President Barrow commended the people of the village for their collective effort and commitment toward the successful completion of the mosque.
“I am very happy to see how the people of Demba Kunda united and worked together to ensure that this mosque is completed. Unity can bring meaningful development to any community,” he said.
The President called on Gambians to continue promoting peace, unity and cooperation for national development, while urging religious leaders to preach peace and tolerance ahead of future elections.
Hundreds of Muslims from Demba Kunda and surrounding villages attended the inauguration and Friday congregational prayers.
Following the ceremony, President Barrow also inspected the ongoing Demba Kunda road and drainage project, where he acknowledged delays in construction and assured residents that government would engage the contractor to accelerate the work.
