VENUE: Airport Junction

DATE: 22nd February 2025

Honourable Cabinet Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Development Partners, Contractor Arezki Group, Esteemed Community Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having used the Bertil Harding Highway many times in the past and at different times of the year, I can imagine the relief this new road has brought to its numerous users.

I feel singularly privileged, therefore, to be here with you to celebrate the realisation of another major milestone on our country’s development programme.

It is obvious that, joyfully, everyone looked forward to this commissioning ceremony of Phases One (1) and Two (2) of the twenty-two-kilometre (22km) Bertil Harding Highway Road Project and the launch of Phase Three (3).

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, and an inspiration for the Government to continue pursuing its development goals.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since taking office in 2017, my administration has prioritised road infrastructural development, because we are fully aware of the role it plays in boosting trade, creating jobs, and improving access to essential services.

We know that roads are not just pathways. They connect communities, facilitate commerce, and enhance access to health, education, as well as other facilities and economic opportunities.

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.

With the launching of Phase Three (3), we will take another bold step forward towards building a modern road network to serve our people for generations to come, while improving travel time along the corridor.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This epic project carries a total portfolio of approximately ninety-six million Dollars (USD 96 million). This illustrates the strong partnership between my government and our valued development partners.

On behalf of the whole nation, I express our sincere 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.

Again, these partners have demonstrated their confidence in The Gambia’s future. We are deeply grateful to them and to all those who contributed to the success of this laudable project.

Through our national budget, my government has invested thirty-three million Dollars (USD $33 million) to ensure the successful implementation 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.

I sincerely commend the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, as well as the consultants, contractors, engineers, and the construction workers whose dedication and hard work have made this significant day a reality.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we launch Phase Three (3), I am pleased to announce the signing of the contract to mark the official commencement of the necessary construction works.

This phase will include key infrastructural improvements, such as additional lanes, drainage systems, street lighting and pedestrian walkways, interchanges and junctions, landscaping and, most importantly, 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.

I must mention, in passing, that we are making significant progress on the ongoing Ports Concession project and the development of a Deep-Sea Port. When completed, these undertakings will boost our maritime trade capacity and position The Gambia as a strategic regional hub for river transport.

Similarly, we are determined to modernise the aviation sector to ensure that our airport meets international standards and supports economic growth through increased air connectivity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The commissioning of Phases One (1) and Two (2) and the launch of Phase Three (3) of the Bertil Harding Highway, together with the signing of the contract for its implementation mark a new era in infrastructural development in The Gambia.

This project will not only enhance mobility and reduce travel time, but also create jobs, facilitate commerce, and strengthen our economy. Significantly also, it represents a shared vision of progress, opportunity, and national development.

To reassure you, my government remains positively committed to delivering world-class infrastructure that will benefit all citizens and residents of The Gambia. For this reason, let me reiterate my plea that we work together to build not just better roads, but a stronger and more flourishing Gambia.

With these remarks, it is my honour to officially commission Phases One (1) and Two (2) of the Bertil Harding Highway Road Project and to declare Phase Three (3) of the Project launched.

I pray that our roads serve the people safely and conveniently for generations to come.

Thank you for your attention.