Assessing the level of progress in all sites, the minister highlighted that a lot of investment has been made in Gunjur's coastline but unfortunately, over the years, the fishing activities have dwindled due to the problem of accessing the site.
He stated that the road will not only create employment but also grow the local economy. He added that as a result of the project, a lot of people are now investing along the corridor by building their houses.
He said: “The project is creating a lot of local employment and a lot of young people are directly benefiting because we have truck drivers who are hired to deliver services.”
Minister Sillah further stated that the community spirit to work with the government in ensuring the work is completed on time is appreciated. As a government, he said, they are now empowering local contractors.
Sillah noted that most of the contractors are Gambians with almost 100% of Gambian staff, saying that whatever is spent would stay in the country except the basil that is bought from Senegal.
“We are trying to build the capacity of our people and enhance their experiences. Within the next five years, we can see Gambian contractors taking big road projects,” he said.
Commenting on the Sanyang road, the minister expressed optimistism that the road will be ready in the next six months (ahead of time) while admiring the progress of work by the contractor who has been given a major project for the first time.
Abdul Mois Darboe, contractor of Lot 9 road construction in Sanyang said the road he is contracted for is about 4.5km while stating that they have worked for 103 days since they started.
“We manage to do the grumbling, dump materials up to 3km and we have now started spreading and compacting. We almost achieved 800 meters on that and so far, about 500 meters is ready for concrete construction,” he said while adding that he bought new equipment to make sure the project progresses.
Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, NRA deputy managing director explained that awarding contracts now to Gambians is unprecedented, saying they are supporting Gambians contractors, to witness what Gambians can do technically, mentally and financially. “We are gradually teaching and helping our people develop their capacities to take over the country’s road constructions,” he said.
On Lot 5 of Farato road construction, Baboucar Cham, construction manager of Bologel said his company is contracted for double surface dressing roads with two lanes carriage, paved shoulders, side walks and parking spaces including street lights and drainage facilities. He said the 6km road is likely to be completed before the one-year time-line.
