By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to national development, highlighting significant strides in infrastructure, education, and healthcare as The Gambia celebrates its 60th independence anniversary.
Speaking at McCarthy Square in Banjul during the official commemoration, President Barrow outlined key achievements and ongoing initiatives to improve livelihoods, reduce unemployment, and address poverty.
The event was attended by political leaders, cabinet ministers, former government officials, and international dignitaries, including the Presidents of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The celebrations featured a grand parade showcasing the discipline and dedication of the country’s security forces, including the Gambia Armed Forces, Police, Prison Services, Immigration, National Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Revenue Authority, and Navy.
President Barrow emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation, healthcare, and education.
“We have made striking headway in various areas of development, with infrastructural development accorded top priority, typically through construction, expansion, or upgrading of hospitals, health facilities, schools, training centers, universities, roads, and bridges. The multiple projects undertaken, either completed or in progress, are already enormously impactful,” he stated.
President Barrow highlighted the significant progress made in infrastructure development, stating that over 910 kilometers of roads have been paved, with ongoing construction on an additional 365 kilometers of rural and urban roads. He further announced plans to construct 500 more kilometers of high-quality roads to enhance connectivity across the country.
He also expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments in education and healthcare. According to the President, a total of 424 new schools have been built, along with 6,400 additional classrooms, to accommodate the increasing educational demands of Gambian children.
As a result of these investments, the education sector has witnessed remarkable improvements, with gross enrollment rates reaching 102.8% at the Lower Basic level and surpassing 50% at the Upper Basic and Secondary Education levels. President Barrow emphasized that these achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to removing barriers, expanding educational access, and creating opportunities for every Gambian child.
Additionally, he underscored the strides made toward achieving affordable and quality Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He highlighted the progressive implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the commissioning of modern, fully equipped health facilities nationwide as crucial steps in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“I am pleased to announce that over one hundred (100) doctors are currently specializing in various disciplines at The Gambia Medical School (UTG). Also, other healthcare professionals are receiving in-country training in various areas of specialization to improve service delivery. These high points mark a new era in healthcare services in the country and provide evidence of a truly strengthened health sector,” he said.