By Yunus S Saliu
President Adama Barrow has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing urban road projects across the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region, describing infrastructure development as central to national transformation.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday following an inspection tour of major road construction sites conducted on 12 May 2026. He was accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials, including the Ministers of Tourism, Information, and Transport, Works and Infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists, President Barrow said the ongoing works form part of a 365-kilometre national road construction programme, noting that contractors have made significant progress over the past three months.
He said about 80 percent of the projects are now at an advanced stage, while newly launched works are also progressing steadily.
The President expressed confidence that most of the roads would be completed before the end of the year, commending contractors for their performance and highlighting what he described as effective strategies by some firms that have accelerated delivery.
He also reaffirmed government support for Gambian-owned businesses, citing his visit to Salam Cement and noting efforts to expand local industrial capacity through partnerships with financial institutions 
President Barrow stressed that infrastructure remains fundamental to development, arguing that no country can achieve meaningful progress without roads and related infrastructure.
He further claimed that the current administration has recorded more infrastructural achievements in seven years than in previous decades, adding that the projects are visible across the country.
The Gambian leader announced plans to launch additional road construction covering more than 1,000 kilometres, aimed at further expanding national connectivity.
He also addressed concerns about traffic congestion along the Bertil Harding Highway, saying ongoing road expansions are already improving travel times between key urban areas.
The inspection tour covered several locations in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region, including Kotu, Senegambia, Sukuta, Bundung, Wellingara, Old Yundum, Jabang, Jambur, Brikama, Gunjur, Sanyang and Brufut.
President Barrow also received a warm welcome from residents in several communities visited during the tour, including a live kora performance by renowned musician Jaliba Kuyateh at Jaliba Junction.
The President said his administration remains committed to completing ongoing projects and inaugurating key infrastructure, including developments in the health and sports sectors.
