Kantong Kunda resident hails infrastructure progress under Barrow

By Mutiu Olawuyi

A Gambian citizen, Modou Lamin Ceesay, has expressed appreciation to President Adama Barrow for what he described as transformative infrastructure development in rural communities, particularly in Kantong Kunda, Kiang West.

In an open letter addressed to President Barrow, Ceesay said his recent visit to his village revealed major improvements in road access, electricity supply, and basic living conditions.

According to him, growing up in the village meant living without access to water, electricity, or reliable roads. He said travelling from Kiang West to the Kombos used to take between three and four hours, but the journey can now be completed in about an hour and a half due to improved road networks.

Ceesay said the progress is not limited to major roads, noting that concrete roads have also been constructed within the village. He added that the arrival of electricity has changed everyday life for residents, allowing families to access cold water and enabling women to preserve food more effectively.

“This progress is not limited to the main highways but includes impressive concrete roads within the village itself,” Ceesay wrote. “Furthermore, with the arrival of electricity, I was able to drink cold water in my village, and I see how our mothers can now finally preserve their food.”

He stressed that his message should not be viewed as a political endorsement, but as a personal recognition of the impact of public infrastructure on rural lives.

For many rural communities, infrastructure is not merely a development slogan. Roads affect emergency access, trade, school attendance, market participation, agricultural movement, and family connectivity. Electricity affects food preservation, small business activity, student learning, communication, security, and household dignity.

Ceesay’s letter reflects a wider issue in national development: rural communities want to feel included in the distribution of public resources after decades of limited access to basic services.

“I would like to say a big thank you for bringing such development to our areas after years of neglect following independence under the previous regimes,” he said. “The people of Kiang and all rural communities deserve to enjoy the national cake.”

His appreciation also highlights the human side of infrastructure. A road is not only concrete and asphalt; it can reduce isolation. Electricity is not only power supply; it can change how mothers store food, how children study, and how communities experience modern life.

As The Gambia continues to pursue infrastructure expansion, citizens will likely judge government performance not only by national projects, but by visible improvements in villages, districts, and rural households.

Ceesay concluded his letter by congratulating President Barrow and his government for the work being done.

“Well done to you and your government,” he wrote.

Photo credit: Modou Lamin Ceesay