By Yunus S. Saliu
President Adama Barrow has described the North Bank of the Central River Region (CRR North) as the “food basket” of The Gambia, saying the region’s prosperity is closely linked to the country’s overall development.
President Barrow made the remarks on Monday, 10 August, while addressing residents in Njau during his weeklong nationwide tour to inaugurate infrastructure and development projects under the theme, “Bridging Communities, Building Prosperity.”
“CRR North is the food basket of our nation, suggesting that the prosperity of the region implies prosperity for The Gambia. That is why my administration has prioritised infrastructural development here,” he said.
Earlier, the President laid the foundation stone for a 52-kilometre road project in Ngayen Sanjal, aimed at improving connectivity within the Sanjal District, before proceeding to Njau to inaugurate the Njau Loop Project.
President Barrow described his visit to Njau as an opportunity to engage residents and discuss their needs and aspirations.
He said the completion of the Njau Loop Project represented a significant milestone in the government’s infrastructure development program.
The Njau Loop is a 12-kilometre all-weather road designed to improve access and movement for residents of Njau and surrounding communities.
President Barrow said the two road projects reflected his government’s commitment to extending development to regions, districts and communities across the country.
He described the 52-kilometre Ngayen Sanjal road project as more than a physical infrastructure project, saying it would connect farmers to markets, children to schools and communities to healthcare and other essential services.
The project, he added, would help unlock the agricultural potential of Sanjal and neighbouring communities.
According to the President, the completion of the Njau Loop would ease movement and improve the quality of life of thousands of residents.
He said improved road infrastructure in CRR North would contribute to empowering farmers, strengthening food security and facilitating the distribution of agricultural produce across the country.
He also noted that better connectivity could create employment opportunities, stimulate investment and make the region more attractive to agribusinesses and other industries.
President Barrow assured residents that the people of CRR North deserved the same level of development as communities elsewhere in the country, reaffirming his government’s commitment to implementing projects that respond to their needs.
He commended the National Roads Authority (NRA) and contractors involved in the projects for their professionalism and commitment to quality.
“The Njau Loop Project is clearly an affirmation of your hard work. Let the same standard be maintained for the Ngayen Sanjal Project, and all other projects for that matter,” he said.
The President also thanked residents of Ngayen Sanjal, Njau and surrounding communities for their patience, cooperation and support during the implementation of the projects.
Acknowledging that road construction could cause temporary inconveniences, he said the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure would outweigh the challenges.
President Barrow urged young people to take advantage of the economic opportunities that improved road connectivity could create.
“New roads open new doors, so make the most of every door that comes your way to forge a better future for yourselves,” he told the youth.
Speaking earlier, NRA Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh Janneh said the projects demonstrated the government’s commitment to translating its development policies into lasting public infrastructure.
“These roads will serve farmers, children, patients, businesses and communities pursuing prosperity,” he said.