By Buba Gagigo
Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has taken credit for securing the construction of the Basse Bridge while criticizing President Adama Barrow’s government for imposing toll charges on its use.
Speaking during a meeting in Makahmasirreh in the Upper River Region, Darboe recounted his role in initiating the bridge project during his tenure as Foreign Minister under President Barrow’s administration.
“I know some people claim ownership of the bridge, saying they brought it. In August 2017, I was invited to China by the Chinese Foreign Minister, where I sought to strengthen ties between The Gambia and China. Before departing, I informed President Adama Barrow of my intentions and submitted a list of priorities, including 18 items. That list was my ‘shopping list’ for China,” Darboe said.
He explained that the priorities he raised included agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. “I reminded the Chinese that, in the past, Chinese doctors and experts supported our health system. I told them our roads were poor, particularly in Nainija and surrounding areas. Their Foreign Minister expressed concern over the size of my requests, but I emphasized the importance of roads and education. We eventually agreed on assistance for roads and a bridge—and that is the bridge you see here today.”
Darboe acknowledged that he was Foreign Minister at the time but insisted the credit for the bridge deal belongs to him, as it was part of his appeal to the Chinese on behalf of Gambians in the Upper River Region.
However, he strongly criticized the current administration for introducing toll charges on the bridge. “The same applies to the Basse-Fatoto road. After my time, other ministers have traveled abroad, but none have made similar efforts to appeal for grants. Instead, the government keeps taking loans, and our national debt is spiraling. One of my political elders rightly noted that the bridge and the road were given to us as gifts,” Darboe said.
“He questioned the rationale behind charging Gambians for something obtained for free. “It was Ousainou Darboe who appealed to China to help us. So why are people now being charged to use the bridge? It’s because of this government’s unnecessary expenditures and their exploitation of poor taxpayers. Under a UDP government, we would never impose fees on something that was gifted to The Gambia. Whether under my leadership or anyone else’s, what belongs to the people will remain free for all.”
The UDP leader is currently on a nationwide tour, using the platform to engage citizens and highlight his party’s vision.