The meeing held at its headquarters in Bijilo, also sought to foster stakeholder collaboration and brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI), Gamtel, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Physical Planning, National Environment Agency (NEA), Gambia Police Force, NAWEC, and the contractor Arezki, among others.
At the event, Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, Acting Managing Director of the NRA, underscored the importance of reclaiming the road right-of-way ahead of construction works.
“We are just getting ready to start, but we have observed significant encroachment on already cleared areas,” he said.
“We have been instructed to undertake this exercise before construction begins, and the support of every stakeholder is crucial for success.”
Bai Bittaye, NRA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, emphasised that the assignment is a collective responsibility.
“We face many challenges, and each stakeholder must bring their expertise to advise and work as part of a united team,” he stated.
Also speaking, George Jatta, NRA Technical Director, highlighted persistent littering problems along the OIC Highway, particularly at Turntable and Old Yundum.
“These areas are frequently cleaned but continue to be used as dumping grounds. We need stronger enforcement of anti-littering laws alongside the clearance operations,” he urged.
Representing MOTWI, Awa Jagne, Director of Technical Services, stressed the need for partnership.
“Neither the ministry nor the NRA can do this alone. We must harness each stakeholder’s experience and input to tackle this task effectively,” she said.
NDMA’s Deputy Executive Director, Lamin N. Jadama, recalled the challenges faced during the initial 22km Bertil Harding Highway clearance.
“The first phase was demanding and will continue to pose challenges. However, by learning from past experiences, we can move forward more effectively,” he affirmed.
Other speakers at the event included, Musa Sanyang, Assistant Commissioner for Kanifing West, and Lamin B.J. Samateh from the NEA, both of whom pledged their institutions’ support to the exercise.
The clearance operation is expected to commence shortly, paving the way for the timely start of the Bertil Harding Highway Phase 3 construction.
