The road contracts divided into three lots are financed by the Gambia Government-World Bank funded GIRAV project under the Central Projects Coordinating Unit (CPCU) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the Gambia Government and the World Bank aimed at improving rural connectivity and market access across the country.
Hon. Dr Demba Sabally, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security presided over the ground-breaking event held in Kotu. The ceremony was graced by Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure and, Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister for Petroleum, Energy and Mines, the Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Deputy Managing Director of the NAWEC. Chaired by Ambassador Alhagie Nyangado, Permanent Sectary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, the event was also attended by implementing partners and staff of the GIRAV project and other projects under the CPCU.
In his introductory remarks, Mr Abdoulie Touray, Coordinator of the GIRAV project and the CPCU explained that the contracts signed fall under subcomponent 1.4: Improving rural connectivity which aims to construct a total of 204.7KM of feeder roads of single surfacing. This will help farmers to access markets for their produce as well as ease the movement of people and services for shared prosperity. He noted that the GIRAV portfolio (of USD108 million grant from the World Bank, USD4million and USD3.91 million from government and the matching grant beneficiary counterpart contributions) demonstrates the importance government attaches to Agriculture.
Hon. Dr Demba Sabally, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security in his statement described the move as a “giant step” and a clear demonstration of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow’s unwavering commitment to the development of Agriculture, rural infrastructure and livelihoods for shared prosperity leaving no one behind.
He said: “Rural development is multi-faceted hence the successful implementation of the feeder roads contracts will no doubt go a long way to overcoming the challenges associated with access and connectivity to markets for farmers, traders within and by extension, to the border of neighbouring countries. It is a known fact roads are magnetic; as once built, it attracts not only the movement of agricultural produce but many and various economic activities take center stage.”
Commenting on the Bansang water treatment plant, Dr Sabally expressed hope that the intervention will support NAWEC to increase water supply to the rural areas to enhance and improve the health and well-being of small-holder farmers and agribusiness and schools within this catchment area and thus improve GIRAV development outcomes on the target communities.
Dr Sabally used the opportunity to convey special thanks to the World Bank Group for their sustained support and commitment to ensuring that the Gambia achieves resilient and inclusive growth in Commercializing the Agricultural Value chain that is accompanied by improved access to safe and potable drinking water for the rural and peri-urban communities.
Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure thanked the Ministry of Agriculture for prioritising roads in the agricultural areas. He assured of his ministry and the National Road Authority’s support and dedication to the project. Hon. Sillah also explained that government through his ministry will do the double surfacing to make the roads sturdier and more durable. He therefore advised the contractors to ensure that they put a strong base, stressing that quality will not be compromised. He tasked the contractors to measure up to expectations.
Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister for Petroleum, Energy and Mines praised the Ministry of Agriculture for their inclusivity during the development of the GIRAV project. He noted that farmers cannot be productive in the absence of quality water for consumption. He assured the people of Bansang that the project will address their water challenge. He called on the NAWEC team to work closely with the GIRAV team for the successful implementation of the project. He also called on the contractors to deliver on time. “Our people cannot wait. They need the water now,” he stressed.
Breakdown of the contracts:
- Lot 2: Construction of 75.7km NBR valued at USD8,206,738.00 is contracted to CHINO GAM
- Lot 3: Construction of 45.3km valued at USD4,381,368.51 is contracted to SSTP
- Lot 4: Construction of 34.9km valued at USD3,913,954.79 is contracted to Solo Dabo & SNIAF
- Lot 1: Construction of 48.8km CRRS & URR valued at USD5,079,689.80 is to be contracted later this month.
- Contract to conduct detailed design, supply and construction of Bansang Water Treatment Plant and Storage Tanks located in Bansang, Central River Region South valued at USD 2,248,643.82 million dollars (GMD162,959,217.64) is contracted to SINCO SPA.
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