Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI), Ebrima Sillah, and the Director General of the National Roads Authority (NRA) have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Banni–Salikenne–Njabakunda trunk road in the North Bank Region.
The concerns were raised on Monday, 19 January 2026, during Minister Sillah’s first rural road inspection tour of the year, accompanied by senior officials from MOTWI and the NRA.
Addressing journalists at Banni Salikenne, the Minister said progress on the project was far below expectations. He noted that the road, which is currently undergoing the second seal, should have been completed and inaugurated by early February.
“This is the Banni–Salikenne–Njabakunda trunk road where the contractor is currently implementing the second seal. By now, we should have inaugurated this road, but there has been a significant delay,” Minister Sillah said, revealing that only about six kilometres of the second seal have been completed, against an expected 10 to 13 kilometres at this stage.
Originally, the road was scheduled for inauguration on 2 February 2026. Minister Sillah acknowledged that the target would now likely be missed, with a possible new date in March. He added that the contractor has committed to completing all works by the end of February, a deadline that MOTWI and the NRA will closely monitor.
While citing challenges related to the importation of key materials such as basalt and bitumen from Senegal, the Minister stressed that these issues could not fully justify the delays. He said the Ministry and the NRA will summon the contractor for a meeting to agree on a revised work plan and a firm deadline.
“This corridor is very important. It links Central Badibou to the main highway and serves one of the most densely populated parts of the region. For generations, this road has been in a deplorable condition, and the government is determined to deliver this ultra-modern infrastructure,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to meet the new targets.
The Minister further assured that the government would not compromise on quality, emphasizing that strict adherence to design standards and specifications remains non-negotiable. He noted that technical weaknesses identified in the first seal are being addressed during the second sealing phase under close supervision by consultants and NRA engineers.
NRA Managing Director Sulayman Summareh Janneh described both the progress and quality of work as “concerning.” He said that although the road design had been adjusted to suit the terrain and drainage needs of the area, the contractor’s delivery had fallen short of expectations.
“This is one of our favourite contractors, and we have been extremely patient and supportive, both technically and financially, to help her complete the project. However, we cannot sugarcoat the situation anymore. We are very displeased with the level of progress and the quality being delivered,” Mr. Summareh said.
He warned that the NRA will not accept substandard work, noting that the Authority retains the right to enforce contractual obligations, including the use of performance bonds, should quality standards not be met.
“We will continue to support the contractor to finish the project, but if that fails, we will be forced to take drastic measures to hold her to task,” he added.
Responding to the concerns, Bajan Enterprise Limited Managing Director Mary Senghore said the company remains committed to completing the project by the end of February. She acknowledged challenges with the supply of basalt, bitumen, and cement, adding that ongoing drainage works, including Irish crossings, are intended to address water flow issues along the road.
Despite the expressed dissatisfaction, both MOTWI and the NRA reiterated their commitment to ensuring the Banni–Salikenne–Njabakunda road is completed to the required standards, as part of the government’s broader agenda to improve rural connectivity and boost socio-economic development in the North Bank Region.
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