By: Yunus S. Saliu
Transport Minister, Hon. Ebrima Sillah has embarked on a weeklong nationwide inspection tour of on-going road projects across The Gambia.
Hon. Sillah who is also the Minister of Works and Infrastructure commences the tour as a significant demonstration of the government’s commitment to enhancing national infrastructure.
The tour began on Friday, June 13th in the North Bank Region, with a focus on the landmark Hakalang and Salikenni road projects.
The initiative, part of the Ministry’s routine monitoring and evaluation strategy, aims to assess project progress, engage with local communities, and reinforce the government’s resolve to deliver modern transport systems essential for economic growth and national cohesion.
Minister Sillah expressed satisfaction with the developments, particularly on the Hakalang loop, which spans key areas in the Nuimi and Jokadu Districts. “We are profoundly happy with the progress of work on the Hakalang loop. Almost all works are completed, with just six kilometers left to seal on Section Two from Albreda to Fass Chaw. Road furniture installation is ongoing, and we expect the entire project to be handed over to the government by early July,” Minister Sillah told the press.
The inspection began from Buniadu through the loop, ending at Central Badibou’s Jaba Kunda-Salikenni-Bally axis. The Minister praised the quality of work, including the asphalt surfacing and double surface dressing, noting the enthusiasm and visible impact among local communities.
He emphasized the socio-economic transformation already underway in areas once considered remote. “Today, thanks to these roads, the once-isolated Hakalang is now accessible. Market women can reach vegetable gardens with ease. Transport has become smoother, and tourists are now visiting the historic Kunta Kinteh Island more frequently. The health centre in Kuntaya is also witnessing increased attendance because people no longer face transport difficulties,” he said.
Minister Sillah highlighted that the projects were not only enhancing mobility and trade but also catalyzing growth in complementary infrastructure, including electricity, schools, and housing. “Wherever we have roads, we see economic activity and growth,” he added.
He further revealed that his Ministry was working closely with the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) to introduce additional rural bus services. “Where roads are built, buses will follow,” he said, referencing similar progress in the Upper River and Central River Regions.
The Minister extended gratitude to all government stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, contractors, and consultants, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring timely delivery of infrastructure projects.
Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, Dembo Samateh, commended Minister Sillah’s proactive leadership. “The Minister makes it a point to visit every two or three months. This level of supervision ensures projects stay on track. The cooperation between local chiefs, the Governor’s office, and the Ministry has been commendable,” he remarked.
Samateh added that once-disparate rural communities now mirror urban development in access to services and infrastructure.
The Minister was accompanied on the tour by senior officials from his ministry, representatives from the National Roads Authority (NRA), members of the press, and regional authorities, including Deputy Governor Samateh.
The inspection will continue in the coming days, aligning with a broader national development agenda that emphasizes transparency, quality assurance, and community inclusion in project implementation.
In Brief
Giving a breakdown of the inspected roads as visited, Section 1 BUNIADU-KUNTAYA (55.7 KM) the asphalt pavement is100% complete. Secition 2 Albreda-Faas Omar Saho (15.14 KM), Base course:11.54 KM (76.22%) complete, Remaining 3.6KM (23.77%). The Bituminous priming: 10.34 KM (68.30%) complete, remaining 4.81 KM (31.70%) while Double surface dressing is 6.64 KM (43.85%) complete, Remaining 8.5KM (56.14%). Section 3 is BANGALLY-BAFULOTO (13.71 KM), Base course: 100% complete, Bituminous priming: 13.71 KM (100%) complete and the Double Surface dressing: 13.71 KM (100%) complete.
