Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow on Thursday concluded the first leg of his annual “Meet the People Tour,” returning to the capital with renewed promises to accelerate rural electrification and launch major roadworks across the country.
Speaking to journalists at the Statehouse, Mr. Barrow said his government had connected more than 75 percent of Gambians to the national electricity grid and was on track to reach 90 percent by the end of 2025. He vowed that full nationwide access would be achieved the following year.
“I will assure Gambians that we will make sure every Gambian accesses electricity before the end of 2026,” he said, describing the initiative as a personal priority. He added that residents he met during the tour expressed broad satisfaction with the expansion of electricity services.
The president also outlined an ambitious road infrastructure program, saying construction on more than 500 kilometers of roads would begin soon in Niamina, Nianija, and Fulladu. He acknowledged growing frustration among residents in these districts.
“They feel that they are a little bit marginalized, seeing that we have completed projects in other provincial areas,” Mr. Barrow said. “But we are up to the challenge.”
He noted similar concerns in Farafenni, a major northern town where only the main thoroughfare is paved.“Farafenni is a town, but definitely, only the main road is constructed. We recognize that, so we are going to construct roads in Farafenni,” he said.
Mr. Barrow defended his administration’s record over the past eight years, citing what he described as “unprecedented projects,” including expanded access to clean water, health services, and schools. He also pointed to civil service salary increases. “Sometimes if I discuss it with my colleagues and I mention this to them, they do not believe it,” he said.
Characterizing his government as “ambitious and ready to deliver,” the president said he was prepared to “break the bank” to push forward development plans. He expressed hope that his legacy would be defined by laying “the foundation for the development of The Gambia.”
By 2031, he predicted, “it will be a different story.”
Mr. Barrow said the tour drew large crowds and that what stood out most was the public’s appreciation of the projects implemented in rural regions. The provinces, he noted, had long been neglected.
“The provinces were disadvantaged for more than 50 years. Resources were not decentralized, and it was definitely not fair on their side. But within these 8 years, real decentralization is now happening. There are still challenges, and they need more support, and they need more projects,” President Barrow started.
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