Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow said the significance of the occasion extends beyond preparations for the Summit.
“It marks the completion of a major urban infrastructure project, which is part of the enduring legacy of The Gambia's successful hosting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit in 2024,” he said.
He stressed that the investment was not made solely for the international event.
“Today, we are enjoying some of its lasting benefits. The infrastructure is here to stay. Those who evaluated the investment exclusively in terms of hosting the Summit faltered in their judgement, because its social and economic benefits far outweigh the monetary value of the project,” President Barrow said.
The President noted that urban roads are among the most critical assets for a growing nation.
“They connect residential communities to commercial centres, businesses to markets, people to workplaces, and families to essential services,” he said. “Their importance is felt every day by all citizens.”
According to Barrow, the roads will serve Gambians for decades by improving the movement of goods and services and contributing to the modernization of towns and cities.
“What was initially an investment in preparation for that international event has become a long-term investment in the people and future of The Gambia,” he said.
He called on citizens to protect and maintain the infrastructure.
“Our responsibility now is to ensure that the infrastructure continues to deliver value. I urge all citizens and road users to take ownership of the roads,” he said.
Reflecting on national development, Barrow said urban infrastructure must grow alongside towns and cities.
“We must strive to create urban communities that are better connected, safer, more accessible, and capable of supporting all sorts of economic activities,” he said.
He urged the private sector and communities to take advantage of the opportunities the roads create.
“The roads will contribute to that objective, but their greatest value will come from the opportunities that develop around them,” he said.
The President recalled that the OIC Summit demonstrated The Gambia’s capacity to host the world. The infrastructure developed for that purpose, he said, now belongs to the Gambian people and will serve future generations.
As current Chair of the OIC, Barrow also commented on global affairs.
“I lament the atrocities that continue to take place in the Middle East. Together, we must persist in persuading all contending factions to engage in dialogue and end unrest around the globe peacefully,” he said.
“As a nation, I hope that the spirit of the OIC and our values of peace, security, and inclusive development will deepen our appreciation of the Urban Road Project and guide our thoughts and actions as we venture into the future,” the Gambian leader added.
President Barrow expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Fund for Development, “for their generous support towards our infrastructure development initiatives.”
He also thanked the OIC, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, the National Roads Authority, contractors, engineers, consultants, local authorities, traditional leaders, and residents for their cooperation and contributions.
