By Sainabou Sambou
Residents across the North Bank Region have praised President Adama Barrow’s government for increased development in their communities, particularly in roads, electricity, water and healthcare. They also welcomed the handover of two new ambulances to the people of Kuntayah, describing the gesture as a significant boost to local healthcare services.
The remarks came on Saturday, August 8, 2026, as President Barrow toured the region under the theme “Connecting Communities, Transforming Lives.” The tour took the President and his delegation from Barra to Bakalarr, Jurunku, Kerr Samba Kalla and Kerr Cherno Omar. During the visit, he laid foundation stones for several road projects and handed over a new ambulance to Fass Njaga Choi.
Alagie Akala Darboe, a native of Bakalarr who represented his father, Calipha Darboe, said Niumi had witnessed considerable development since President Barrow assumed office. He recalled the excitement that swept through the community when officials first arrived to measure the roads ahead of construction.
“Since President Barrow came to power, a lot of development has come to our community in Niumi. One day, we were sitting when we saw people coming to measure the road for construction, and we were very happy. Today, we are equally happy to see the foundation stone being laid in our community,” he said.
Mr. Darboe noted that Meadiyah Seediah hosts an annual Gamo during which visitors often struggle to access the community because of the poor state of the roads. He said the new road would ease movement for both residents and visitors.
Mariama Jawara emphasized that the road project holds particular importance for women, who she said have suffered greatly from the poor road conditions. She pointed out that President Barrow had already brought electricity to the community and had now laid the foundation stone for the road.
“President Barrow has brought electricity to our community, and today he has laid the foundation stone for our road. When the road is completed, it will really help us, especially the women, because we have suffered a lot,” she said. She added that residents would show their appreciation for the government’s development projects through their votes.
Isatou Makalo, another resident of Niumi Bakalarr, also expressed happiness over the road project. She said the government had provided electricity and water, yet poor roads continued to make transportation difficult.
“Our roads are not good, and sometimes drivers do not want to use them because of the road condition. When President Barrow constructs the road, it will help us and make life easier for everyone in the community,” she said. She too indicated that residents would repay the government through their votes.
Speaking during the tour, Sulayman Sumareh, Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), thanked Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah and the other ministers who accompanied President Barrow. He said the people of Jokadu had witnessed significant development under the current government, particularly in road infrastructure.
“Today, if you see us in Jokadu, we can say the President has not left anything behind for us. He has constructed roads and laid foundation stones for new projects,” Mr. Sumareh said. He also commended the government for road projects in the Upper River Region and Lower River Region, noting significant progress in road construction. Mr. Sumareh, however, called on contractors handling government projects to deliver quality work and avoid overcharging. According to him, more than 6,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed over the past three years.
Addressing residents at the North Bank Region general meeting in Kuntaya, President Barrow said the road projects formed part of his government’s commitment to connecting communities and creating opportunities for economic development. He explained that the 255-kilometer North Bank road project launched during the tour covers settlements including Barra, Bakalarr, Jurunku, Kerr Samba Kalla and Kerr Cherno Omar.
President Barrow said the improved roads would help farmers transport their produce to markets more easily, reduce post-harvest losses and increase their incomes.
“The Gambian communities should not be disconnected. The size of the country is such that no village should feel isolated, no child should struggle to reach school, and no patient should find it difficult to reach a health facility,” he said.
The President described the North Bank Region as one of the country’s active agricultural areas and an important gateway to neighboring countries. He said better roads would also boost trade, create jobs and provide more opportunities for young people.
“Wherever roads go, development follows,” President Barrow said, adding that the North Bank Region was “open for business.” He stressed that his government’s approach focused on delivery rather than promises, noting that the road projects formed part of the broader infrastructure program under the YIRIWAA National Plan.
President Barrow called on communities to protect the new infrastructure from vandalism and misuse, emphasizing that the projects belong to the people. He urged citizens, leaders, women and young people to work together with the government by protecting public property, paying taxes and maintaining peace and stability.
Despite the achievements recorded so far, the President assured residents that the best days of the North Bank Region were still ahead. He pledged that his government would continue working to bring development to the region and the country as a whole.
