It is said that a country’s development is not only gauged by investment made on building infrastructures, education or health care services, but also its road infrastructure network.
In the recent past, the government has embarked on an ambitious road infrastructural drive meant to boost commerce, economic but also movement of people and services.
From urban Gambia to far flung communities of Wuli, the series of road projects currently underway are numerous.
What makes this road project even more laudable is the fact that road infrastructure is viewed as a foundation on which all other developments are anchored on.
Thus, it is common knowledge that investing in quality and efficient road networks can lead to increased productivity, promote trade and improve access to vital services.
The minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure last week began a nationwide inspection of ongoing roads projects across the country. The move only goes to show that the current government is committed to delivering world class roads to the entire country.
With the ongoing road infrastructure tour to any serious government projects, embarking on routine inspection to project sites is vital as it assesses the level of progress.
In essence, it helps people attain economic development, safety and ensures good health.
In some of the communities the minister and delegation visited, we have seen how some local dwellers struggle to access either health care services, educational institutions and other vital services. Just imagine some pregnant women endured countless challenges during the duration of their pregnancies in accessing vital health care services.
In addition, what makes these road projects even important is the fact that some of these rural communities are for the first time benefiting from such road infrastructural development since independence. The feedback from local dwellers in some of the communities visited, is not only emotional but goes to show how they have suffered in the past.
Most of these communities are completely disconnected from the rest of major towns, especially in the rainy season due to the deplorable condition of the reads.
These communities deserve similar opportunities like those in urban Gambia. Thus, we commend the minister and his team for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that every dalasi spent on the project is monitored.
We hope contractors will double up and ensure timely delivery of the project to the beneficiaries.
We equally commend the minister and his team for leaving their comfort zones and travel all the way to Wuli just to ensure that the monies invested are indeed put into good use. This is what national development calls for.