By Bakary Touray Jnr.
The Gambian leader Mr. Adama Barrow has described the Laminkoto-Passamas Road project as a symbol of development that would benefit thousands of lives.
The President, who was presiding over the official inauguration of the Lamin Koto-Passamas road, at a ceremony held in Passamas, Upper River Region, said the road would ease access to healthcare and education.
He added,”It will also enhance the movement of goods and services by all measures, as well promote trade and regional connectivity”.
Barrow believed the said road would stimulate the provision of better and more effective public services, including agricultural extension services, to encourage greater agricultural production.
“All these are critical to Gambia’s food self sufficiency drive and foreign exchange earnings”.
Barrow also said that the project provides a viable pathway to the economic prosperity and social progress. He explained, “Cognizance of the benefits that could be accrued from this road, the government collaborated with development partners, to sponsor this magnificent infrastructural project.”
President Barrow acknowledged the significant funding provided by the various funding agencies, namely Saudi Fund, Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development, OPEC Fund for International Development, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa–BADEA, and the African Development Bank– ADFD.
The president, a native of URR, reminded that prior to this development, the Laminkoto-Passamas road had been in a deplorable condition, due to a number of factors.
He outlined: “A major factor was the uneven terrain through which the gravel road was built. Another factor was the absence of a proper in-built drainage system. Thus, the issue of drainage was one of the key factors considered during the project design process.
“As such, one hundred and twenty (120) culverts and drains have been constructed to ensure adequate drainage of both the main and access roads. These are meant to ease the proper movement of water from the road structure to outfalls.”
The head of state hammered home: “I am proud to state that the development of this road mirrors our mission and commitment to raising living standards by creating platforms for economic growth and job creation, as enshrined in our National Development Plan.
“I congratulate the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure and the National Roads Authority on the successful completion of the construction works, and we commend them for their devotion and commitment to the project.”
Barrow, however, urged all users, more so the communities living along the corridor, to follow the traffic rules and all road safety regulations developed for their general safety and comfort; “so that all of us will continue to enjoy our roads with ease and comfort. May God guide and protect every user of this road.”
In conclusion, he indicated that the successful completion of this project is a clear signpost of the implementation of the National Development Plan.
“We will continue to maintain and expand the urban, secondary and feeder road networks in order to improve accessibility and induce acceptable travel time between destinations for all travellers,” the President avowed.
