Honourable Cabinet Ministers, Honourable National Assembly Members, Governor of the Upper River Region, Heads of Government Institutions, Chief of Kantora District, Alkalolu of the surrounding villages, Representatives of the Media, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In line with our promise to create inclusive development in The Gambia, my government continues to give top priority to infrastructure development and connectivity in all communities across the country. Today marks another milestone in this endeavour, as we gather here in Garawol of the Kantora District to lay the foundation stone for a six-kilometre road, running from the village to the Kusum. This ceremony reflects our collective vision for a brighter future, one that brings opportunities, growth, and dignity to the residents of Garawol and the surrounding communities. Linked to the event, I am pleased to disclose that we have already completed the survey of thirty (30) kilometres of roads within the Upper River Region. The construction of this six-kilometre road, beginning from Garawol, represents the first phase of a broader road project. With our enduring commitment to delivering modern, durable, and cutting-edge road infrastructure across the length and breadth of The Gambia, the Garawol-Kusum road will serve as a crucial lifeline, enabling the people to access schools, health facilities, and major markets with greater ease and efficiency. In so doing, the road will improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and enhance economic opportunities. All these are aspects of ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The construction of this road is a timely fulfilment of a pledge to the residents of Garawol and the surrounding villages that they, too, would have a fair share of my government’s expanded infrastructure development programme. Garawol, which is one of the largest and most vibrant settlements in the eastern part of the country, has witnessed significant growth in business and trade, attracting entrepreneurs and traders from far and wide. This economic dynamism, however, puts great strain on the dilapidated road infrastructure linking Garawol to other settlements. I assure the inhabitants of the area that the road networks connected to this stretch will be constructed eventually as a component of the Government’s national development programme. Ladies and Gentlemen, All Gambians must have realised by now that infrastructure is at the core of all genuine economic transformation endeavours. Roads, such as the one we are initiating today, will do more than connect communities; they will transform aspirations into opportunities and bring prosperity to the people. This is the reason for identifying infrastructure development as a critical pillar of the country’s development agenda.

As we lay this foundation stone today, let us also lay the foundation for stronger unity, greater resilience, and shared progress through transparent and accountable processes. This makes it our collective responsibility to ensure that the construction of this road and all other development projects are successfully and fully implemented; therefore, let us collectively monitor and supervise it to completion. With devotion, as well, let us embed the values of inclusive growth in everything we do, and pursue our development agenda progressively, from community to community. With the official laying of the foundation stone for the Garawol-Kusum road, I urge the surrounding communities and all relevant stakeholders to take ownership of this project as a collective responsibility and endeavour to leave a proud legacy for the next generations. May Allah continue to bless The Gambia.