President Barrow tours major projects in Banjul

H.E. President Adama Barrow on Wednesday toured key development projects across the Greater Banjul area to assess progress and address challenges.

Accompanied by several ministers, the President visited construction sites to gather firsthand information on ongoing infrastructure works, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transformative development.

The tour began at the University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Campus, focusing on Phase 2 of the project.

This phase comprises three major buildings: the Chancery Building, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, and the Faculty of Law. While the Schools of Agriculture and Law are 90% complete and include specialized facilities such as a laboratory for agriculture and a moot court for law students, progress on the Chancery Building has been slow.

Addressing the delays, President Barrow expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s pace, citing poor coordination and weather-related setbacks. “Timely delivery is essential,” he stated, emphasizing the need for realistic planning to meet deadlines. He reassured Gambians of his government’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure delivered within budget.

The president’s next stop was Hydara Car City in Abuko, a 300-stall plaza designed to support the automotive industry by connecting buyers with dealers of vehicles, spare parts, and motorbikes. The initiative aims to combat unemployment, with plans to add another 300 stalls once operations begin.

At the Ministry of Environment construction site, President Barrow inspected a new 94-office building set to be completed by March 2025. The project is part of the government’s broader initiative to create 150,000 jobs by 2027, targeting youth employment and economic growth.

The tour concluded at the Kanilai Ferry site at the Banjul Shipyard, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transportation and mobility for Gambians.

President Barrow highlighted the inclusive design of all projects, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities as mandated by the National Disability Act. “Our infrastructure must reflect the needs of every Gambian,” he said.

This high-level engagement reinforces President Barrow’s promise to deliver essential infrastructure that improves the quality of life for Gambians while addressing pressing challenges in the country’s development agenda.