“My government will bring the much needed infrastructural development to the doorsteps of Kiangkas despite some of them opposing my government," he said during a site visit at the Manduar Mini Stadium. "I must also say that the three districts in Kiang overwhelmingly voted for me in the 2016 presidential election. Therefore, I will never forget about that. ”
The 300 by 300 meter square Manduar Mini Stadium which officials said is fully funded by the government, when completed will be fully equipped and will also have a referee and dressing rooms.
Speaking at the site, the Gambian leader underscored the significance of grassroots football, saying it cannot be developed in the absence of the necessary infrastructure. "My government will continue to decentralise its development in all sectors. We will continue to bring the development that the inhabitants of the area need. What we are thinking now is to ensure that the Mini Stadium has a pavilion. The development that is happening in Kiang is a manifestation of my government’s commitment in developing the country,” he claimed.
Responding to an issue raised by the chief of the area regarding the lack of toilet facilities and ticket room, Barrow called on the minister of Youths and Sport to ensure that those facilities are put in place. “Toilet is something that one can’t go in the absence of.”
Visit to Kiang road project
President Barrow and the entourage also visited several road projects that are currently under construction. During the site visit, Barrow expressed satisfaction with the road projects, while saying: “Kiang road projects are very important to me and my government. Therefore, I want to urge the contractors of various roads to speed-up in ensuring that the road construction is completed on time. I want to inaugurate some roads during my next year's tour. These are roads that are connecting a lot of communities within the area.”
Commenting on the issue raised by the contractor about the delay in getting basalt, the president responded by saying: “It’s also important that you do your procurement early with a view to avoiding delays in getting the basalt. Basalt is imported in the country, thus we will talk to partners in ensuring that we have enough basalt. I am looking forward for the completion of the road projects because they are long overdue,” he emphasised.
Kwinella meeting
At the Kwinella village, locals ranging from women to youths representative all urged the government to bring development to their area and also address pressing issues affecting them such as water, lack of women’s gardens and lack of skills centre among others.
Addressing the concerns of Kiangkas, Barrow claimed that part of his government's plan is to ensure that Madina Angalleh and Madina Sinchang both in the Kabada have health posts.
Phase one of the 39km road construction in Kiang Central, he went on, will be completed soon, while the second phase of the road network construction within the area will commence upon the completion of the first phase. “Kiang has been neglected by the previous government for over 20 years. However, I must express my disappointment to the Jomari community who was asking the contractor to pay them before they would be allowed to access the community sand.
"This matter will be investigated and those behind it will be dealt with,” he promised.
Wellingaraba meeting in Jarra
Just like previous meetings across the country, inhabitants of the three Jarra districts appealed to the President to help them and address their top challenges.
“I want to urge the president to help us with good roads, especially roads going to our rice field. During the rainy season, it’s difficult for us to have access to our rice fields due to the bad roads. Again, it’s important to note that we don’t have any doctor at our health centre and there’s no electricity in Jarra East. We also want the president to help us and construct the Wellingaraba to Pakaliba feeder road,” Ali Kumba Baldeh, the village alkalo appealed.
Minister Demba Sabally in responding to concerns raised by farmers, renewed the government's commitment in addressing them. He claimed that part of the government's priorities is to ‘stop rice importation by 2030.
“Some gardens that have problems within the Jarra will be rehabilitated and Pakaliba, Dongoroba and other communities will have new gardens. Some feeder roads within the area will also be rehabilitated,” Agric Minister Sabally promised.
