By: Yunus S. Saliu
On the second day of his nationwide inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects, the Honourable Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI), Ebrima Sillah, expressed strong satisfaction with the progress made on key roads in Central River Region (CRR). Accompanied by top officials from his ministry, the National Roads Authority (NRA), contractors, consultants, and members of the press, the minister toured the Njau Loop through Carol Warf, Karantaba, Reneru, Tabanani, Demfaye, Njaga-Fitu Fulla, Laminkoto, Banni, Youna, and Kunting.
Speaking at the site of the Karantaba–Futufula road, Minister Ebrima Sillah said he was “very, very happy” with the level of progress, particularly on the CRR North Lot 2, which spans 26 kilometers. He noted that approximately 3 kilometers had already been fully sealed, with optimism that the entire stretch would be completed within weeks.
“This area previously had no proper access road,” he said. “It was very difficult to reach inland communities off the highway. Now, the road is well constructed, and the communities are visibly appreciative.” He also highlighted the border community’s enhanced access to potable water, with boreholes serving both local and Senegalese livestock and residents, a testament to the social impact of the project.
The road, part of a broader 50-kilometer Lot 2 EPC project executed by Cornerstone Construction, includes three segments: Njau to Kaur Warf (12km), Lamin Koto to Kunting (12km), and Karantaba to Futufula (26km). Cornerstone, led by a Gambian returnee with extensive international experience, has been commended for its adherence to timelines and high construction standards.
Minister Sillah also addressed broader transport infrastructure efforts, revealing that work on a national transport master plan would begin soon. “Consultants have been identified, and once the report is validated, it will go to Cabinet and then the National Assembly for approval,” he disclosed.
On the role of Gambian-owned contractors, the minister acknowledged their mixed performance but expressed optimism. “Some are doing very well, like Cornerstone. Others are struggling, which is expected. Road construction is costly and technical,” he said. He encouraged collaboration among local contractors to pool resources and boost capacity, with the aim of keeping more infrastructure investments within the country.
Looking ahead, he confirmed that the government plans to launch 250 kilometers of new road works nationwide. “Contractors who perform well will continue to be given opportunities. Our aim is to build a strong local construction industry capable of delivering major projects efficiently and sustainably,” the minister concluded.
Jonas Agyemang, Project Manager of Cornerstone Construction explained that all earthworks and concrete structures were complete, with surface dressing including first and second seal layers underway. “We’ve already sealed up to 3.5 kilometers. Our goal is to complete the project ahead of schedule, especially by maximizing dry days during the rainy season,” he said. “We are committed to delivering durable roads, with quality control measures such as intermittent testing and constant supervision from NRA and consultants.”
Deputy Managing Director of NRA, Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, praised Cornerstone for its innovation, quality, and potential to complete the project ahead of schedule. “This is a Gambian contractor doing outstanding work. Their approach is measured, and they’re meeting quality specifications that should ensure a road lifespan of up to 20 years,” he stated.
He added that special attention was being paid to drainage, particularly in flood-prone flat terrains. “Water management is crucial. We are planning proper discharge points to avoid water accumulation that would otherwise shorten the road’s lifespan.”
Engineer Asa-Awuku, the Resident Engineer from Cityscape Associates, the consulting firm overseeing the project, echoed these sentiments. “Our goal is to deliver roads with quality, within cost and on time. This road is for the community, and when we leave, they must be proud of it,” he said. He also emphasized regular community engagement to address local concerns and ensure the roads meet real needs.
Progress of Works In Brief
Significant progress has been achieved on Lot 2 of the EPC Roads Project, with overall completion standing at 66%. The Contractor is actively working on two (2) roads out of the three (3) various road sections.
Below is the detailed progress update for each section:
Section 1 – Njau Loop up to Carol Warf (12km), site clearing and earthworks is 100%, subgrade 100%, subbase – 100%, base course 98%, drainage Structures :100%, Double Surface Dressing – Not started. Overall Progress: 75%
Section 2 – Karantaba-Reneru-Tabanani-Demfaye Njaga-fitu Fulla (26km). Site clearing and Earthwork – 100%, subgrade – 100%, subbase – 100%, base course processing – 54%, drainage structures – 100%, double Surfacing Dressing – 18%. Overall progress: 69.8%
Section 3 – Laminkoto-Banni-Youna-Kunting (12km). Site clearing and Earthwork – 100%, subgrade – 100%, sub-base -100%, base course – 54%, drainage structures – 36%, double surfacing dressing – Not started. Overall Progress: 52%
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