The event, which attracted cabinet ministers was held at a signing ceremony at Sir D.K. Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
Phase 3 of this landmark project will include – construction of a new bridge at Sukuta Traffic Light, improvement of safety measures to protect pedestrians, construction of the service roads to ensure access to the residences while promoting commercial activities along the highway.
Welcoming the gathering, Matarr Ceesay, permanent secretary at the Ministry, described the event as another milestone in the national development of the country.
PS Ceesay acknowledged that the Bertil Harding Highway project is a very important corridor for the country, as it connects most parts of the Greater Banjul Area including the tourism and fishing areas, residential as well as business areas of the country.
"The phase 1 and 2 of the projects has actually had a very important impact in both roads connectivity and promoting the economy of the country."
This road project, he added, has managed to improve turn-around time when it comes to travel, while promoting both connectivity and trade.
On his part, Tarek Arezki, Chief Executive Officer, Arezki S.A, who is the contractor, acknowledged that the phase three of the project includes construction of a new bridge at Sukuta Traffic Light as well as service roads to improve accessibility for residences and commercial activities along the Bertil Harding Highway.
"This is very important as it will improve the movement of the traffic and add traffic lights in some areas for pedestrians."
The project, he went on, will also include beautification component along the highway, installation of camera systems to improve security on the road.
Ousman Sanyang, managing director of National Roads Authority (NRA), described the event as an important milestone for not only Bertil Harding Highway in providing road connectivity and access, but the country at large in view of its national significance.
“Phases 1 and 2 have just been completed and Arezki S.A was the contractor for this and they will be continuing as contractor for the phase 3 of the project and that is good for continuity because all of you can attest to the quality of the road being built.”
This road, he added, is now not only a national symbol but something that has gone international, making reference to postcards where The Gambia has been featured especially the Bertil Harding Highway.
"So, it’s really a plus for all of us as Gambians that Gambia has built something significant as this. So they (Arezki S.A) will and this even makes it easy to convince the donor agent- African Development Bank."
Sanyang described phase three as an important component, saying since he joined the Authority that was what he was advocating for to have phase three.
Bakary Badjie, minister for Youth and Sports, expressed gratitude to the government of the Gambia and the Works ministry for their foresight and to include his Youth ministry in the phase three of the project.
He acknowledged the fact that Bertil Harding Highway is a landmark initiative that every Gambian and even non-Gambians who live in the country are proud of for many reasons; primarily, because it has changed the transport infrastructure especially the road network.
He spoke about the economic activities the project has brought along, and in addition, reducing travel time within the Greater Banjul Area.
The phase 3, he added, will also witness construction of access roads to the country’s national stadium, a requirement the country is tirelessly working on to position its stadium in line with international standard.
Baboucarr Jobe, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Alieu Loum, deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President, while describing the project as an important landmark feature, underscored its importance in boosting the country’s economy.
They acknowledged the significant improvement of these roads project to the people of the country especially in reducing travel turn-around within the Greater Banjul Area, while promoting economic activities.
Ousman Sillah, minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, maintained that the signing ceremony of the phase three of the project is ample testimony of government’s commitment to roll out critical cutting-edge infrastructure throughout the country.
"As you may know, we are currently on the verge of finalising arrangement for the signing of Sting Corner -Mandinba- Bypass, which is also going to be a modern edifice with dual carriage and also a possibility of having a third lane depending on traffic."
To that end, Minister Sillah looks forward to working with all partners and in supporting them in the implementation of that ambitious project.
Currently, he said, the Ministry through support from the entire government structure, is overseeing nearly 500 kilometers of active road construction across the country.
This, he added, couldn’t have happened without the strong support of his entire staff, further acknowledging their efforts and supporting him as he leads the policy initiatives to roll out infrastructure that all are proud of as a country.
He also expressed delight with the support from the government of The Gambia, especially H.E. Adama Barrow, who he said, has constantly shown interest in the Bertil Harding Highway.
"I want to assure the contractor that we will continue to provide that necessary support in the implementation of phase three."
