Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the EPC Lot 3 section of the Kabada Loop Road project in the Lower River Region (LRR), describing it as one of the most impressive road construction initiatives currently underway in the country.
Minister Sillah made the remarks during a site inspection in Kabada, part of a three-day nationwide monitoring exercise. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry, the National Roads Authority (NRA), project consultants, engineers, and members of the press.
The EPC Lot 3 project, covering approximately 101 kilometres, is a key component of the Kabada Loop, which links communities in LRR to the Trans-Gambia Highway.
“We are extremely pleased with what we have seen,” Minister Sillah said. “The pace of work is phenomenal, and the quality is very impressive. The roads have already taken shape, and the transformation is visible.”
He commended the contractor, Longjin Construction Company, a Chinese firm with extensive experience in The Gambia, for maintaining high standards and exceeding expectations. The minister added that the project is likely to be completed ahead of schedule, a major boost for government infrastructure delivery.
Recalling previous visits to the area, Minister Sillah noted the challenges posed by poor road access. “When we first came here, even with the President, we got lost because there were no proper roads. Today, this is a first-class road, and vehicles move in and out with ease,” he said.
He also praised local authorities, including the governor, district chiefs, and village alkalo, for their cooperation with project teams.
The minister highlighted that the road project is complemented by the parallel development of electricity, water supply, schools, and other essential services in Kabada and surrounding communities. He said these improvements would enhance livelihoods, improve access to health facilities, and boost agricultural productivity by enabling farmers to reach markets more efficiently.
“These developments will improve rural economic life and help reduce rural-urban migration by creating opportunities within the communities,” he added.
Looking ahead, Minister Sillah said the interconnected road network from Kwinella to Jarra Soma, with several feeder roads, ensures inclusive access for all communities. He expressed optimism that the area would attract increased private investment, particularly in housing and agriculture, over the next three to five years.
On decentralisation, he noted that government services are gradually being moved closer to the people, citing renovations in regional capitals such as Mansakonko and the decentralisation of services like passport processing.
Addressing claims that the projects are politically motivated due to the election year, the minister dismissed such assertions. “The government was elected to deliver development. What matters is that these projects benefit the people. Even critics enjoy using these roads,” he said.
The NRA Managing Director, Sulayman Sumareh, also expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the works. He said the contractor has exceeded scheduled targets and could complete the project by year-end, instead of the initial four-year timeline.
Mr. Sumareh assured road users that markings, signage, speed limit boards, and other road furniture would be installed once major construction is completed. Selected sections within communities will also be fitted with solar-powered streetlights.
Regarding durability, he said the road is designed to last 20 to 25 years, subject to regular maintenance, describing it as a double-surface treatment road suitable for local traffic levels.
The Kabada Loop Road Project is widely regarded as a significant milestone in improving connectivity, economic activity, and service delivery in the Lower River Region and beyond.
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