Faisal Bin Muhammad Al-Kahtani was speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of the Lot 1 of the fixed packed of the University of The Gambia Development Project held at the Faraba Banta Campus, which was co-financed by the Saudi Fund for Development.
This, significant contribution, he added, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering Gambia's economic prosperity and long-term development.
He revealed that SFD contributes to financing the University through a soft development loan worth $10 million.
The project, was aimed at developing and enhancing the country’s higher education sector.
He noted that these prepare specialized Gambian competencies by establishing the permanent academic complex of the University of the Gambia on an area of 34 thousand square meters, and qualifying appropriate capabilities for higher education and scientific research for students and faculty members.
The project, he went on, also contributes to enabling beneficiaries to join engineering, technical, administrative and economic colleges, in addition to equipping the library building and providing student housing for 4500 students.
SDF CEO reminded that the project falls within the framework of the close developmental relationship between the SFD and the Republic of The Gambia that has spanned over 5 decades.
Since 1977, he revealed that the SFD has financed 12 development projects and programs in Gambia, worth over $171 million USD.
These initiatives he said have supported the country's key developmental sectors, including social infrastructure, transportation and communication, energy, and rural development.
The project, he added, shows their shared commitment to sustainable development and fostering socio-economic growth.
Upon successful completion of the University of The Gambia at Faraba Banta Campus, official believes, would serves as testament to the long term-standing development relationship and collaboration between the two nations.
