By Sainabou Sambou
Choya Alkalo (Village Head) Ello Jamanka said he never expected to live long enough to see the long-awaited Choya-Dankunku road begin, recalling decades of unfulfilled promises from successive governments.
In an interview with reporters at the construction site, Jamanka described the start of work on the 20.5-kilometer stretch as one of the proudest moments of his life. He highlighted the severe hardships residents have endured for years because of the road’s poor condition.
He noted that both the Jawara and Jammeh administrations pledged to build the road, but never delivered. He said the resulting neglect made everyday travel difficult and access to healthcare especially perilous. Some pregnant women were forced to travel to nearby health facilities in horse carts, and in several cases women gave birth before reaching medical assistance.
Commercial motorcycle operators charge between D150 and D400 depending on the destination, largely because of the rough terrain, further burdening residents who have no reliable alternative transport.
“All these hardships will soon be history,” Jamanka said, commending President Adama Barrow’s administration for finally initiating the project. He urged communities in the area to support government development efforts so that the work can proceed smoothly.
Project Manager Babacarr Cham of Bologel Company, tasked with constructing the new road, affirmed the firm’s commitment to completing it within the agreed timeframe. Although the contractual period is three years, he said the company aims to finish within two and a half years without compromising quality. Cham noted that Bologel is already implementing about 125 kilometers of road projects across Niamina and surrounding areas.
He explained that the Choya-Dankunku road will feature an asphalt surface and proper drainage systems to improve durability and reduce flooding. Cham called on residents to cooperate with the contractor during construction.
Once completed, the road is expected to strengthen connections between Central River Region South and Central River Region North, making it easier for communities to reach healthcare facilities, schools, markets and other essential services. The Government of The Gambia fully funds the project.
For decades, the absence of a reliable road has isolated communities and limited economic and social opportunities. With construction now underway, residents and local leaders express cautious optimism that the long wait may finally be ending.
