The President also laid foundation stones in Yallal Tankon Kunda and Farafenni for the construction of 52.1 kilometres of additional roads.
The activities form part of President Barrow’s ongoing nationwide tour to launch and inaugurate key road infrastructure projects under the government’s Connect Gambia initiative.
Speaking after the events, President Barrow said the projects reflect his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the country.
“Obviously, all these events indicate earnest development and service delivery in progress. The deduction is that when a government is committed to the development of all of its country’s regions, districts, and villages or communities, this will be the result,” President Barrow said.
The President described the projects as significant for national growth, saying his government is laying a strong foundation for the future, characterised by inclusive and irreversible economic and structural growth.
He said the Ngayen Sanjal road should be seen beyond its physical structure.
“The road project we launched in Ngayen Sanjal must not be welcomed merely as a physical structure, but as a lifeline for the people, as it will connect farmers to markets, children to schools, and families to healthcare and other services,” Barrow said, adding that the project will unlock the agricultural potential of Sanjal and its surrounding communities.
On the Njau road, the President described it as a development that will ease movement and improve the quality of life for thousands.
“The Central River Region (CRR) North is the food basket of our nation, suggesting that the prosperity of the region implies prosperity for The Gambia. That is why my administration has prioritised infrastructural development here,” he said.
Barrow said investing in roads in CRR North is directly linked to empowering farmers, strengthening food security, improving food distribution, creating jobs, stimulating investment, and making the region attractive to agribusiness and other industries.
“Like Gambian citizens in other regions, the residents of CRR North deserve nothing less than the best, and my government is determined to deliver on its commitment,” he said.
The President thanked communities for their patience during construction.
“I cannot conclude without calling upon our youth to seize the opportunities that these roads will bring. New roads open new doors, so make the most of every door that comes your way to forge a better future for yourselves. Let me emphasise to all of you residing in CRR North that these roads are yours,” he said.
Barrow continued: “Protect them and guard them against misuse and vandalism. As the Government has its responsibilities to perform, so do all citizens have their roles to play responsibly.”
Residents welcomed the developments. Speaking on behalf of women in the region, Suna Ceesay, a native of CRR North, thanked the President for what she described as “continued development in the region.”
“We were in the dark without electricity for decades. Barrow brought electricity for us. We only drank cold water when we travelled somewhere else or bought it. But now we have our refrigerators in our houses with cold water. Now, President Barrow has constructed our roads. Everyone can attest that these roads were in very bad condition and we suffered a lot, especially during the rainy season,” Ceesay said.
