President of the Republic of The Gambia
By Landing Ceesay
President Adama Barrow on Friday inaugurated the China-aid project of roads and bridges in the Upper River Region.
The Upper River Region (URR) bridges and roads that are worth about US$ 82 million [approximately D4 billion], are funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
While presiding over the inauguration of the road and bridges, President Barrow said the completion of URR projects implies improvement of living standards.
“I feel greatly honoured to inaugurate the new URR roads and bridges. The occasion highlights the historical realisation of the people’s dreams. And the project marks a huge national infrastructural development at the major milestone in the implementation process of the 2018 -2021 National Development Plan. With the completion of the Basse Koina roads, the trunk roads for our national highway are now successfully developed to standard. This main highway stretches from the West Coast to the Eastern region and runs along the entire north and south banks of the country,” President Barrow stated.
The head of state added the development signifies increased economic activities and wide access to social services such as health and education in the region.
“Our road networks are the backbone of the country’s transportation system. There is no doubt that these achievements will promote and facilitate the free movement of people, goods and services not only within the country, but also in the sub-region. The completion of URR projects implies improvement of living standards. It also signifies increased economic activities and wide access to social services such as health and education,” he said.
Undoubtedly, the completion of these projects would provide vital trading links and boost commerce and regional integration between The Gambia and the sub-region, particularly with the Senegalese regions of Wellingara, Kolda, Tamba Kunda and beyond.