These health facilities are expected to end decades of long and costly travel for residents seeking basic medical care. Previously, residents of the two communities and surrounding villages had to travel long distances to access health services. Those trips were expensive and posed serious risks for pregnant women and sick children.
With the new health posts now operational, nurses, midwives, and essential drugs are available within the communities. The project falls under the government’s commitment in the National Development Plan to achieve universal health coverage for all Gambians.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, President Barrow expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the region. He said the people of LRR have been deprived for too long despite fulfilling their civic duty.
“I am very happy with the laying of foundation stones and the completion of these projects. Kabada is a complete revolution and a complete transformation. Gambia is moving and we are not turning back,” President Barrow said.
President Barrow noted that key investments are underway across the region in health, agriculture, education, roads, water and electricity.
Looking at the roads, President Barrow said the 93-kilometre road his government is constructing is a big achievement and he is satisfied with the construction.
“For a very, very long time, the people of Kabada have been deprived of this kind of development. Over 52 to 60 years, they have been patient, and they have been paying their taxes without reward. But now, it is their time,” President Barrow said.
The project forms part of the national roads programme component and has achieved an overall physical progress of 93%. Like other projects, this one is also fully funded by the Government of The Gambia.
The Kiang Kabada Road Project comprises 12 road links with a combined length of approximately 93 kilometres, forming a vital section of the Kabada Loop that will improve connectivity between rural communities and the Trans-Gambia Highway.
The two health posts in Madina Sancha and Madina Angalleh in the Lower River Region (LRR), were the third and fourth health posts inaugurated by President Barrow as part of his infrastructure tour to the provinces.
This comes following the inauguration of the Ballangharr Health Post and the Buduck Health Post in the Central River Region (CRR), which aim to reduce long-distance travel for the people of these two communities in accessing medical care.
These four health posts would provide first aid, manage childbirth complications, and arrange referrals, among other services.
