By Yunus S Saliu
The Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Sulayman Suwareh, has said Gambians are witnessing the transformation of national vision into “stone, asphalt and opportunity” through sustained government investment in road infrastructure.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the official inauguration of the 91-kilometre Kiang West Roads Project by President Adama Barrow in Keneba.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Suwareh described the completion of the project as a historic milestone, reflecting government efforts to extend development to rural communities.
“Today, history pauses just long enough for us to witness the power of vision translated into stone, asphalt, and opportunity,” he said.
He noted that the President’s presence underscored government commitment to inclusive development across the country.
“Your presence here affirms the belief that development must move beyond city limits, cross farmlands, reach riverbanks and arrive at the doorsteps of our rural communities,” he added.
Mr Suwareh said the roads go beyond physical infrastructure, stressing their socioeconomic importance for local populations.
“These roads are not merely strips of engineered pavement. They are pathways of possibility. They shorten distances that once separated farmers from markets, mothers from healthcare, children from schools, and communities from opportunity,” he said.
He added that the project demonstrates the principle that no region should be left behind in national development.
The Kiang West Roads Project includes the 39-kilometre Sankandi–Karantaba road and several feeder roads linking communities such as Kuli Kunda, Jali, Kantong Kunda, Keneba, Tenda, Manduar, Tankular, Joulie, Gissay, Mandina, Kemoto and Missira.
According to the NRA, the works were constructed to standard engineering specifications, including bituminous surfacing, drainage systems, reinforced concrete culverts, erosion control measures, and a 10-metre carriageway with shoulders to enhance road safety.
Mr Suwareh said the project was implemented by Gambian contractor GAI Construction, under the supervision of Cityscapes Consultancy, with the NRA providing quality assurance throughout execution.
He also urged communities to take responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure and adhering to traffic regulations.
“The future of these roads now rests in the hands of the communities they serve. They must be treated as shared national assets,” he said.
He thanked residents of Kiang West for their cooperation during the construction phase, describing them as key partners in the project’s success.
“These roads are your arteries of growth, your channels of connection, and your inheritance for generations yet unborn,” he added.
Mr Suwareh further disclosed that the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the NRA, is continuing feasibility studies and design works aimed at improving national connectivity and regional integration.
“Today, we do not simply commission roads; we unlock opportunity, bridge inequality, and lay foundations for shared prosperity,” he said.