In the bid to reboot the regional economy of Upper River Region, President Barrow announced that plans are in high gear to build a dry port – an annex to the Banjul Port, a four star hotel, and fuel storage facilities to boost economic activities.
The announcement was made in the series of meetings held in the sprawling towns of Gambisara and Basse amidst much fanfare and celebrations.
The new plans, in addition to the ongoing major infrastructural and development works such the roads, bridges, The Gambia College annex, rice value addition project, amongst others, will fast track the transformation of Basse into regional economic hub as well as regain is rightful position as the second capital of the country.
The President reiterated the call for the people of the region to continue supporting his development agenda to boost growth.
Speaking earlier, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Honourable Hamat Bah expanded on the government’s plans to revitalize tourism revealing that the foundation for the four Star Hotel shall be laid immediately after the tour.
The people of Jimara and Basse heaped praises on President Barrow, describing him as a unifying figure and a visionary leader. The women mobiliser Fatoumata Kinteh, said the president has supported the agricultural initiatives of the URR women. She disclosed that 41 communities in Jimara have benefitted from groundnut seedlings supplied by the government.
This in addition to the milling machines and tractors, while appealing for more tractors to transport farm produce.
The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Honourable Fafa Sanyang, informed the Basse meeting that access to electricity is a right related to other development sectors such as health, agriculture and industrialisation.
He spelt out the transmission and distribution plan as stated in the National Electricity Roadmap, which includes expanding electricity access to more communities in the URR.
Source: State House of The Gambia
