The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow, presided over the commissioning ceremony for Phases One and Two of the Bertil Harding Highway Project and announced the launch of Phase Three. The event took place at Airport Junction on February 22, 2025.
President Barrow expressed his satisfaction with the completion of these phases, stating that they mark a significant milestone in the country's development efforts. "I feel singularly privileged, therefore, to be here with you to celebrate the realisation of another major milestone on our country’s development programme," he said.
The project is described as more than just an expansion of a highway; it symbolizes progress and economic growth. "Certainly, this project is more than just the expansion of a highway; it is a dream come true, a visible symbol of progress, economic growth, and national transformation," President Barrow remarked.
Since taking office in 2017, President Barrow's administration has prioritized road infrastructure due to its importance in boosting trade and improving access to essential services. He emphasized that roads connect communities and facilitate commerce: "We know that roads are not just pathways. They connect communities, facilitate commerce."
The Bertil Harding Highway serves as one of The Gambia's vital transport corridors linking key economic zones including residential areas and international gateways such as Banjul International Airport.
Phases One and Two have already improved travel efficiency within Greater Banjul Area. With Phase Three underway, further improvements are anticipated including additional lanes and an overpass bridge at Sukuta-Jabang intersection which aims to reduce traffic delays significantly.
The total investment for this project amounts to approximately $96 million USD with significant contributions from development partners like Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Islamic Development Bank, and Kuwaiti Fund covering about sixty-five percent of costs. President Barrow acknowledged their support: "On behalf of the whole nation I express our sincere gratitude."
Through its national budget contribution amounting to $33 million USD towards this initiative reflects government commitment towards infrastructure supporting long-term economic growth.
As part of broader transport system plans beyond highways into marine air transportation sectors also highlighted ongoing projects like Ports Concession Deep-Sea Port developments aimed at enhancing maritime trade capacity positioning Gambia strategically regionally alongside modernizing aviation sector meeting international standards increasing connectivity further bolstering economy
In conclusion commissioning Phases One Two launching Phase Three marks new era infrastructural development creating jobs facilitating commerce strengthening economy shared vision progress opportunity reiterated government commitment delivering world-class infrastructure benefiting citizens residents alike encouraging collective effort building stronger flourishing nation
With these remarks concluded official commissioning declaration phase launched praying roads serve people safely conveniently generations come
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