President Adama Barrow
By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow, during his “Meet the People” tour in Sinchu Alagie, addressing residents of the Busumbala and Old Yundum constituencies, asserted that his administration has brought more development to The Gambia in the past eight years than the combined 52 years of leadership under former Presidents Yahya Jammeh and Dawda Jawara.
He emphasized that had previous administrations accomplished the same amount of development as his, the country’s progress would already be complete.
“I can say that if the previous leaders had accomplished what I’ve achieved, The Gambia would already be developed. In just 8 years, I’ve outdone what they managed in 52 years. For example, during the previous administrations, a total of 800 kilometers of roads were built, but under my leadership, we’ve constructed over 1,000 kilometers of roads.” Barrow stated
The President emphasized the progress made in Banjul, noting that for years, the city had faced challenges with deteriorating roads and widespread mosquito infestations. However, under his leadership, he claimed that the capital has experienced a remarkable transformation.
“For 52 years, Banjul has been struggling—its roads were in disrepair, and mosquitoes were everywhere. But when I arrived, we completed the work in Banjul,” he said.
Barrow assured the people of Sinchu Alagie, Busumbala, and Old Yundum that his government’s development efforts are just beginning.
“I am telling the people of Sinchu Alagie, Busumbala and old Yundum that the developments you’re witnessing are just the beginning—there is much more to come. The longer I remain in power, the more progress I will continue to bring. I have started, and there is no turning back; only forward from here.” He said.
The President also spoke on the importance of collective effort in national development, emphasizing that growth requires more than just government action.
“Development is far more important than talk. We need to work together as a nation. The government can’t do everything alone; the citizens must also contribute. It’s not enough to ask, ‘What has my country done for me?’ Instead, we should ask, ‘What can I do for my country?’ This is the mindset that will benefit us all, especially the youth, who are the backbone of this nation. You have access to education and skill development opportunities, whether it’s to become an engineer, doctor, nurse, or consultant. All of this is possible in The Gambia today,” Barrow said.
He added “You can do skill development until you get your degree anywhere you want in this country until you become an engineer here, you can also learn to become a doctor, nurse or consultant in this Gambia, all this happened in our time,” He Said. Responding to critics who accuse him of laying foundation stones for political gain, Barrow defended his record, pointing to his administration’s completed and ongoing projects.
“In the West Coast region, we’re working on 180 kilometers of road, which is the equivalent of a journey from Banjul to Jarra Soma. When I start a project, some people claim it’s for political purposes, but the people know me well now. I always see my projects through to completion. Remember when I started the Bertil Harding Highway? People doubted it, saying a flyover was unrealistic, but look at it now – it’s happening,” Barrow stated.