It is important to note that since the change of government in 2017, the road infrastructure works your government has embarked on is massive. We commend your government's stance in delivering to the aspirations of Gambians in terms of road connectivity. Travelling through some communities in the past was a nightmare and as a result people in these communities were not only neglected, but also disconnected from vital basic services.
Mr President, what is even more encouraging about these road projects is the fact some of these communities have been without good road networks since independence. So, your visionary leadership and foresight in bringing world-class road projects to these areas is commendable.
In this day and age, good road connectivity is a determinant in a nation's state of development. Countries that boast of good road networks are highly rated when measuring their state of advancement and human development.
Mr President, the OIC roads spanning across the Greater Banjul Area and parts of urban Gambia is a game-changer in terms of road infrastructure development. The project has not only eased mobility, but also strengthened vital services in the areas. The impact of these roads on the lives and livelihoods of Gambians is enormous.
Mr President, as we are now in the dry season, we are suggesting you look at how to expand the ongoing feeder roads construction in the Greater Banjul Area and parts of West Coast Region. Urban Gambia is home to a significant number of the country's civil servants, many of whom commute on daily basis to their respective workplaces.
Sometimes, these commuters find it frustrating especially during the peak of the early morning rush hours to work or closure from work due to traffic congestion.
So, it would be ideal to have alternative routes that people could use to find their way out during traffic congestion. This would greatly help in reducing the travel time and long hours lost to traffic congestion.
Finally, Mr President, your recent announcement to roll out nationwide skills training centres is not only timely, but a move in the right direction. A nation short of population with skills is a nation doomed to fail. This initiative will not only help bridge the existing gaps in youth empowerment but will also help narrow the gaps in the country’s job opportunities.
Once operational, it would greatly help in preparing our teeming young people for the job markets. It is sad that the country is losing a lot of our youths to the ‘back-way’, youth who could have stayed and contributed to national development.
Youths are the future of any sustainable development and as such they should be empowered to play their rightful role in society. Livestock farming, plumbing, welding and other electrical works, for instance, are areas our youths need to take advantage of.
These sectors and skills disciplines are today in high demand hence the need for marketable skills, which our youth can take advantage of rather than risking their lives in search of greener pastures in the West.
Also, our youth should note that the dreams they are chasing in the West are not green either; it is just a mere fantasy mostly borne out of peer influence.
Europe itself is grappling with numerous challenges in delivering to its populace.
Good day!