Basse,
Upper River Region, 24th November 2019 - 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.