By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow has officially commissioned Phases One and Two of the Bertil Harding Highway Expansion Project and launched Phase Three, marking a significant milestone in The Gambia’s infrastructural development.
According to the government, this 22-kilometer highway is expected to boost economic activities, improve connectivity, and enhance travel efficiency within the Greater Banjul Area.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Barrow expressed his personal connection to the highway, noting that having used it numerous times in the past, he understands the relief this expansion will bring to its many users.
“The Bertil Harding Highway project is more than just an expansion; it is a dream come true, a visible symbol of progress, economic growth, and national transformation. It serves as an inspiration for the Government to continue pursuing its development goals,” President Barrow stated.
He emphasized that since assuming office in 2017, his administration has prioritized road infrastructure development, recognizing its vital role in boosting trade, creating jobs, and improving access to essential services.
“In itself, therefore, the Bertil Harding Highway is one of the most vital transport corridors in our country, as it links major economic zones, residential areas, and international gateways. These include the Tourism Development Area and the Banjul International Airport. The completion of Phases One (1) and Two (2) has already made travel much faster, safer, and much more efficient within the Greater Banjul Area and its satellite communities,” he said.
He explained that the launch of Phase Three (3) marks another bold step toward establishing a modern road network that will serve future generations, while significantly improving travel time along the corridor.
He highlighted that this landmark project carries a total portfolio of approximately ninety-six million U.S. Dollars (USD 96 million), underscoring the strong partnership between his government and valued development partners.
President Barrow also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Kuwaiti Fund for jointly financing about sixty-five percent of the project.
Additionally, he noted that his government has allocated thirty-three million U.S. Dollars (USD 33 million) from the national budget to ensure the successful completion of the project.
“This is another clear evidence of our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and national development,” he added.
President Barrow, during the launch of Phase Three (3), expressed his pleasure in announcing the signing of the contract, marking the official start of the essential construction works.
He emphasized that Phase Three will feature significant infrastructural upgrades, including additional lanes, drainage systems, street lighting, pedestrian walkways, interchanges and junctions, landscaping, and most notably, an overpass bridge at the Sukuta-Jabang intersection.
“The inclusion of the bridge is a game-changer for urban mobility. This overpass will greatly reduce traffic delays at one of the busiest junctions in the country and, by extension, enhance safety for motorists and the communities in the area. Although we have started these development projects with road construction, my government’s vision of a modern integrated transport system goes beyond highways. We are equally committed to developing marine and air transportation, to make sure that The Gambia remains a competitive and well-connected nation,” he said.