According to the ministry, Minister Sillah said one of the main reasons for the visit was to be on the ground for himself to have first-hand information about the ongoing projects in North Bank Region under his Ministry and also to be updated on the achievements and challenges if any, and provide immediate solutions to them as the raining reason approaches.
The minister added that the tour was also meant to know the level of preparation for the full operationalisation of the toll plazas in Bereto and Jenoi, both stations to be opened to traffic by 1st June, 2022.
The transport minister used the visit as an opportunity to buttress the need for the contractor and consultant to work very hard to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
“We need to work hand in hand and make sure the works are done accordingly. Government will give you the money and the necessary support, but at the end of the day, you should also do your part very well,” he told the contractor and consultant.
Seedy Keita, the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, also emphasised the need for timely completion of the project and its quality.
He said the project is locally funded by the government of The Gambia, and therefore, every butut matters to the people of The Gambia.
“These projects are for generations to come. So we need to do our best to ensure that things are in the right perspectives,” he noted. The minister assured the players of his office support and collaboration at all times.
Momodou Senghore, managing director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), told the delegation that his office would always ensure that quality is never compromised.
“Our staff are here on the ground to ensure that work is done as the way it should be done,” he said. He called on the contactor and consultant to redouble their efforts in order to finish the work on time.
Felix Ocloo, representative of the Resident Engineer for the Nuimi - Hakalang roads project, gave a presentation of the entire work by highlighting some progress registered as well as the challenges.
The consultant told the minister and his delegation that they would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that high quality is maintained throughout the project scope.
In addition, he said when completed, the road will be equipped with bus stops, guardrails, highway signs, road markings and pavement markers.
In conclusion, he explained that there would be speed bumps in villages and around social amenities for traffic control such as schools, hospitals and reflective marker posts at sharp curves.
