Garawol, one of the largest and most vibrant communities in the district, is expected to benefit significantly from the project. The new road is set to boost local commerce, improve access to essential services, and link surrounding villages to the national highway network with greater ease.
Hundreds of residents lined the route from Kussum Junction to Garawol, many on motorbikes, to welcome President Adama Barrow and escort him to the site where the foundation stone was laid. Construction materials have already arrived in the village, with work expected to begin in earnest.
Speaking at the ceremony, local residents expressed relief and optimism, describing the poor road network as a long-standing challenge dating back to independence. Many shared stories of vehicles and motorbikes frequently breaking down due to the rough terrain, a hardship they now hope will soon be a thing of the past.
President Barrow described the ceremony as a milestone in his government’s broader infrastructure agenda. “In line with our promise to foster inclusive development, my government continues to prioritise infrastructure and connectivity for all communities across the country,” he declared.
The Garawol–Kussum road, he went on, is part of a broader road project aimed at improving access to essential services such as schools, health facilities, and markets. “This road is a crucial lifeline,” President Barrow said. “It will enable residents to reach key services with greater ease and efficiency, thereby improving livelihoods, strengthening communities, and enhancing economic opportunities.”
The Gambian leader revealed that a survey of 30 kilometres of road within URR has already been completed, signalling further development in the region. The President emphasised that the Garawol–Kussum road is not just a construction project but a fulfilment of a pledge to the people of Garawol and surrounding villages.
“Infrastructure is now at the heart of our economic transformation efforts,” Barrow stated. “Roads like the one we are laying today will turn aspirations into reality and bring prosperity to our people.”
He called on the local community to actively support and monitor the project to ensure its successful completion. “I urge the people of Garawol and neighbouring communities to take ownership of this project. It is a collective responsibility to ensure its sustainability,” he added.
Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, the acting managing director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), said: “The Garawol–Kussum road will be constructed to modern standards, featuring an all-weather bituminous surface dressing.”
“This choice of surface ensures durability and resilience against seasonal weather conditions; particularly the heavy rains that often compromise unpaved roads. The road will have a carriageway width of 10 meters, which includes adequate shoulders to enhance safety and accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.”
He added: “The design also incorporates comprehensive hydraulic structures, including culverts, side drains, and erosion control features. These are essential for managing stormwater runoff, preventing flooding, and preserving the structural integrity of the road over time.”
Billay Tunkara, the majority leader and the National Assembly Member for the area, expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow for the ongoing road construction projects, noting that poor infrastructure had long been a major challenge for communities in the region.
He emphasised the significance of the new road to Garawol and surrounding villages, describing it as a transformative development.
Tunkara highlighted that over 40 communities in Kantora now have access to electricity, a milestone he attributed to the Barrow administration. He appraised the Basse–Fatoto road, once considered a nightmare for residents of the Upper River Region (URR), as now being among the best roads in the country.
Regional Governor Samba Bah faulted previous governments for failing to construct the road. He commended President Barrow for laying the foundation stone for the project, asserting that anyone who desires peace and development in the country should support the president.
He urged the people of URR to rally behind President Barrow in the next presidential election, which he said should focus on continued development and national peace.
Many residents, he noted, had never imagined having access to roads, clean water, and electricity in their lifetimes due to decades of abandonment. This, he said, has now changed significantly, with the region witnessing substantial progress.
Mai Ahmed Fatty, former minister for Interior, while addressing the crowd, urged residents to rally behind President Barrow. “We have a president who allows freedom of speech, who brings development without fear or favour. Roads and electrification are the backbone of progress, and that’s exactly what’s happening,” he said.
He pointed to improvements in education, healthcare, and rural electrification, noting that most major roads across the country are either completed or under construction. “Now, the focus is on connecting villages internally. Vehicles that used to break down in two years can now last ten, thanks to better roads,” Fatty added.
He also praised the Ministry of Gender for supporting women’s groups and highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit among Gambian youth. “Young people who are ready to work are thriving. The opposition will find no easy ground here. We are ready.”
Alkalo Ebrima Sorry Ceesay, Musa Tunkara, Lady Councilor Aji Nyima Conteh and district Chief Batcho Ceesay, all spoke on the importance of the area to communities, while assuring the president of their unflinching support in the 2026 presidential election.
