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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Accused Kerr Mot Ali arsonists remanded in custody

Fourteen men, Omar John, Ali Ceesay, Abdou Mbye, Ali Secka, Ali Ceesay, Musa Mbye, Haddim Ceesay, Mod Talla Secka, Modou Habib Secka, Abdoulie Sowe, Batch Samba, Modou Habib Secka, Sheikh Sey and Mustapha Ceesay are jointly charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and Arson at Kerr Mot Ali the May this year.All fourteen are said to have conspired to commit a felony with Arson and willfully and unlawfully set fire and burned the houses of Musa Secka, Lamin Sowe, and Alagie Ousman Secka to ashes at Kerr Mot Ali. All accused persons pleaded not guilty on both counts as they appear before magistrate Sainey Joof at the Bansang Magistrate court. The prosecution applied for the case to be transferred to the high court and the accused remanded in custody, citing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case in accordance with the special criminal code. The case was transferred to the high court and all accused persons were remanded in custody.

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Minister for Basic and Secondary Education tours schools

In her first official outing since re-appointment as the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Claudiana A Cole embarked on a familiarisation visit to several schools. The schools include New Jeshwang (Kandiba) Lower Basic School, Latrikunda Sabiji Upper Basic, Senior Secondary School, and Muslim High School in Brusubi. The visit accorded her the opportunity to see for herself current ongoing projects the sector is embarking on. At New Jeshwang LBS she saw the construction of twenty-four classroom and twelve office block funded by the MRC Holland Foundation. The construction when complete will accommodate more than 2000 pupils. The Minister then toured the Latrikunda Sabiji UBS and SSS where a magnificent 24 classroom facility was recently handed over to the school after laying the foundation stone one year ago. The 24 classroom block has 6 offices with rams that catered for the differently able persons. In addition to the classrooms, twenty-two toilets were built for the 2688 students and staff of the two schools combined. The Minister and her team also went to the New Muslim High School in Brusubi. The school was relocated from Banjul to Brusubi in the 2021/2022 academic year due to its close location to the Ports and the terrible conditions of the structures. The new Muslim High School in Brusubi is a State-of-the-art facility that has 24 classrooms and 16 toilets and accommodates 1611 students including the Arab section. The familiarization tour gave the Minister the opportunity to meet and discuss with school heads who shared with her some of the challenges the schools face and appealed to her office to help in addressing them. Honourable Cole assured them of her Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the schools are met.

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SIX MONTHS ON, GUNJUR STILL MOURNS MISSING MIGRANT BOAT

Family members of close to 200 migrants still lived in a perpetual state of anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty as the boat carrying their relatives is still missing. Spain-bound migrant boat left the shores of Gunjur on the 8th of November 2021 for a journey that is supposed to last not more than 15 days, but   222 days and still counting, their whereabouts are still unclear. Over 30 of the hundred-plus migrants are all natives of Gunjur in Kombo South of the West Coast Region, a community that has recently become the epicentre of the perilous journey. Without any information on their fate, this is already a tragedy for Gunjur and the family members of the rest of the migrants in other parts of the Gambia and Senegal.Family members are deeply concerned about the fate of the migrants. “Even if they are dead, we just want to know what happened to our relatives”, Mba-Fatou a mother of one of the migrants said. “Our situation is worse than losing a loved one. We are totally traumatised, and I find it difficult to sleep at night. We want the government to help us know the situation of this boat” she added. The migrants on board were mainly from within the West Coast and the Lower River Region of the Gambia and other parts of Senegal.Family members are desperately waiting for news about their loved ones so much so that they take every piece of information seriously. Since the incident occurred, several reports circulated on social media indicating that the missing migrants were intercepted and detained in Mauritania. Upon receiving those unconfirmed reports, Kebba K. Barrow the National Assembly member for Kombo South said they engaged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to follow up on the issue. Mr. Barrow said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had engaged the Mauritanian authorities on the information but were told that those detainees are none Gambians. 

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Police Trained on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Police investigators of the Gambia Police Force are being trained on sexual and gender-based violence. The nine-day programme is expected to equip police investigators and operatives with the skill in delivering quality service in dealing with SGBV cases. The training is rolled by GIZ with support from Police Programme Africa.

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Police track and seize counterfeited number plates

The Mobile Traffic Unit has confiscated over 100 counterfeited motor-vehicle number plates. The police say the suspects unlawfully changed private number plates to commercial plates. The suspects on their own accord applied yellow paint on private number plates, without formally applying for a change of class of the vehicle registration. The assistant police Public Relations Officer Inspector Alieu Jamanka said the suspects have already been charged, and are awaiting trial.

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Government to Release White Paper on TRRC Recommendations

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Honourable Dawda Jallow has disclosed that Cabinet's conclusions on the Government’s stance on all the recommendations in the TRRC report will be released on Wednesday 25th May 2022. Mr. Jallow’s comments follow a cabinet review of the draft White Paper developed to look into the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission's (TRRC) report.  

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GFF LAUNCHES BROADCAST RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH FIFA

The Gambia Football Federation on Thursday officially launched a broadcast agreement signed with the world football governing body FIFA a forthright ago.  The agreement is to live stream first division male and female league matches through FIFA+ Project. Lamin Kaba Bajo the president of GFF claims that clubs will benefit from the contract which runs from 2022 to 2026.  He said 20% of the revenue will be paid to GFF. It’s not clear how much will be paid to clubs and how the revenue paid to GFF will be distributed to clubs. GFF disclosed that EyeAfrica TV is the broadcast partner that will produce the matches and send signals to “Eleven Sports”, the Sports Channel that will live stream the games. This is set to start with a few selected games in this current season. The Federation said from next season, no broadcast entity in the Gambia or outside will be allowed to broadcast the games live on radio or TV.  GFF believes the deal will help sell Gambian players to the international market and also boost the socio-economic advancement of the teams.  FIFA launched FIFA+ in April to provide access to live football matches from all its members and is available on all web and mobile devices.

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Rice farmers to use harmless gas powdered guns to scare pests

Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP) is distributing and installing harmless gas powdered guns to rice farmers as part of its Safeguard Measures under the Environment and Social Management Plan. RVCTP on its social media page said the harmless guns are meant to scare away hippos from rice fields, a major challenge for rice farmers are faced with. The guns would intermittently produce loud blasts that can scare Hippos, monkeys, and other pests such as warthogs and birds. Killing wildlife such as Hippos and monkeys is prohibited by law hence the use of alternative methods of protecting rice fields.  

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Three men accused of attempted murder remanded in custody

Three men Yaya Gassama, Amadou Bailo Jallow, and Abba Demba on Thursday appeared before magistrate Peter Adoh Che at the Brikama Magistrate court accused of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred on the 3rd of May at Mandinary where the men were said to have tortured Muhammed Dambelly and Lamin Kanyi before throwing them into an old well and setting them on fire. The accused men pleaded not guilty to count one and pleaded guilty to count two. All three men were refused bail and remanded in custody and the case resumes on the 19th of May 2022.

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WAREF Endorses President Barrow Ahead of December 5 Election

The Alliance for Reorientation and Economic Force (WAREF), led by Momodou Al Amin Bah, has endorsed President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election.WAREF, a political movement that describes itself as a revolutionary party, stormed the State House on Tuesday evening to formalise its alliance with the NPP-led Grand Alliance. The party is the latest to join the NPP as political realignment continues with barely a month to the polls.Mr Bah arrived at the State House accompanied by hundreds of supporters to formalise the alliance. He becomes the latest high-profile political figure to join the NPP-led Grand Alliance, handing President Barrow a major boost ahead of the election.According to the NPP Deputy Public Relations Officer, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, Mr Bah was engaged in intense negotiations with GDC leader Hon. Mama Kandeh and the Minister of Gender, Fatou Kinteh, who both convinced him to endorse President Barrow.WAREF's West Coast Chairman, Wuyeh Ceesay, confirmed the claim, saying their vision aligns with that of the NPP, which motivated them to endorse the President to ensure continuity and development. Mr Ceesay said that, as patriots, they put The Gambia's interest above personal interests and pledged to work with other stakeholders to ensure President Barrow's victory.Modou Jain, an executive member of WAREF, said his party believes in alliances that align with its interests, vision and mission. He said after carefully reviewing their options, they were convinced without doubt that the NPP was the best option. He defended their choice of partnership and reassured that WAREF will work tirelessly to achieve victory for President Barrow.Addressing the gathering, WAREF leader Momodou Al Amin Bah said his party is coming with ideas and projects that will deliver real impact for Gambians. He described WAREF as a revolutionary movement where leadership is built on trust and responsibility. He, however, argued that WAREF will not abandon its vision but has chosen a different path to achieve it.Mr Bah praised President Barrow for his charismatic leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to the Gambian people, reassuring that WAREF will mobilise its entire support base to empower President Barrow. He also commended Hon. Mama Kandeh and Minister Fatou Kinteh for convincing him to endorse the NPP.Minister Kinteh said WAREF, under the leadership of Mr Bah, has made the right decision because President Barrow is the only candidate with a proven track record of development over the last nine years. She described WAREF's decision as a patriotic move that underscores the party's commitment to development, progress and prosperity. She therefore challenged WAREF and its supporters to work with other stakeholders to attain victory.GDC leader Hon. Mama Kandeh also commended WAREF and its leadership for deciding to endorse the NPP-led Grand Alliance, which he said is poised to win the presidential election. Hon. Kandeh praised President Barrow as a tolerant, development-oriented and good leader whose development track record has touched the lives of every Gambian. He also called on supporters to maintain peace, remain tolerant and exercise restraint, adding that President Barrow will win by a landslide.The event also witnessed the defection of several people believed to be members of the opposition in Sanyang. They were welcomed by the Gender Minister and other officials, who hailed the move as a great victory for the NPP.In his remarks, President Barrow welcomed Momodou Al Amin Bah and WAREF into the Grand Alliance, reassuring him that every member of the coalition is equal. He commended Hon. Mama Kandeh and Fatou Kinteh for the work that led to the endorsement. He called on all stakeholders to work together in the best interest of the alliance, adding that his doors are open to all politicians who wish to join the NPP-led Grand Alliance. The President disclosed that the Grand Alliance is composed of diverse members united by a common desire to ensure continuity of development.President Barrow also challenged women across the country to join him on his nomination day on November 10 to send a clear message to his opponents. He again described the election as a vote for continuity and progress, arguing that he represents the future of the country. He finally called on all Gambians to vote for the NPP Grand Alliance on December 5.

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NAWEC, SOLARIS AFRICA SIGN $169M DEAL FOR 148.4MW SOLAR POWER PLANT IN JARRA SOMA

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed a Power Purchase and Implementation Agreement with Solaris Africa Limited for the construction of a 148.4-megawatt solar power plant in Jarra Soma.The plant will be equipped with a 200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with 50MW capacity to supply electricity during peak hours.The signing ceremony was held at State House and presided over by His Excellency President Adama Barrow.The agreement was signed by the Managing Director of NAWEC, Mr Gallo Saidy, and the Vice President of Solaris Africa Limited, Mr Muctar Sey.The $169 million project forms part of the Government's ambitious plan to expand, diversify and modernise The Gambia's electricity sector to meet growing consumer demand.Historic and Game-ChangingSpeaking after the ceremony, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara, described the agreement as historic and a game-changer."This is the largest solar project ever implemented in The Gambia and probably one of the biggest Battery Energy Storage Systems in West Africa," Minister Juwara said. He added that the project will double the country's current installed generation capacity.The Minister noted that the project underscores the Government's commitment to addressing the long-term energy needs of the country through clean, cheaper and more sustainable solutions.The Managing Director of NAWEC, Gallo Saidy, said the project represents a landmark development for NAWEC, as it will expand generation capacity, improve the flexibility of the electricity system and strengthen NAWEC's financial sustainability.This flexibility, he explained, will allow energy generated from the sun during the day to be stored and used at night to provide uninterrupted power supply to consumers, while also lowering NAWEC's average generation cost.Resilient and Sustainable PowerThe Vice President of Solaris Africa, Muctar Sey, said the project goes beyond increasing generation capacity."It will build the foundation for a more resilient, reliable and sustainable power system by ensuring that the grid is stable and dependable," Mr Sey said.He disclosed that the long-term aim is to transform The Gambia's energy landscape and accelerate its transition to renewable energy, with emphasis on reliability, affordability and sustainability.Phase 2 of the Soma Solar Power Plant is expected to be completed within 12 to 40 months.

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GAMBIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ICC AT FREETOWN REGIONAL SEMINAR

The Gambia’s Justice Minister Dawda Jallow, accompanied by Ambassador Pa Musa Jobarteh, the Brussels ambassador accredited to the ICC, attended an ICC High-Level Regional Seminar in Sierra Leone aimed at strengthening cooperation and complementarity with the Africa Region under the theme: A partnership in fighting impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.The two-day event, held on 22-23 October 2026, began with a high-level delegation courtesy visit to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, led by the court’s Second Vice President, Her Excellency Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin. Given the challenges the ICC has faced with new sanctions imposed on the court, the delegation was reassured by President Bio’s strong support for the court. The event was well attended by ministers and ambassadors from the sub-region, with representatives from The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia. H.E. Dr Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UN, co-facilitated the event with opening statements by the Court officials and ministers from Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Mauritania.   In her opening remarks, H.E. Justice Alapini-Ganou, who herself is under sanctions, stressed that Africans must remain true to our commitment and secure our values. She said Africa currently has 4 out of the18 ICC judges and remains the largest group with 33 member states. She expressed pride that the court is still attracting candidates despite enhanced sanctions and challenges, one of them being the Gambia’s candidate in the person of Justice Veronic Wright, who was accepted as a guest attendee. In sharing the Gambia’s experience, Minister Jallow stated that complementarity is not a line that separates the Court from national systems. It is a shared responsibility that works only when States build the capacity to try the gravest crimes at home and cooperate fully with the Court where national action falls short. He went on to remind member states that the Court has no police, no prisons and no territory, and that every witness and suspect brought before the Court is the primary responsibility of States, because the Court acts only when States are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate or prosecute. He emphasised that cooperation is therefore a legal obligation, not a courtesy between the Court and its constituting Member States. A takeaway quote by Minister Jallow is that “Cooperation that is selective, slow or conditional is, in practice, nothing but impunity by another name.” He shared Gambia’s commitment by illustrating how in October 2016, under the previous government withdrew its membership to the ICC, but immediately rejoined in February 2017, under the new democratic government. ICC. He cautioned that states should remain members of the court by conviction, not by habit. To update on The Gambia’s transitional justice process, Minister Jallow said Gambia has now passed laws establishing a Special Accountability Mechanism and a Special Prosecutor's Office, and that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government approved the establishment of a hybrid Special Tribunal for The Gambia, culminating in the appointment of its first Special Prosecutor in April 2026.He echoed that these initiatives are merely foundations, not a finished building, because the Special Tribunal still needs sustainable funding while victims are still waiting for almost a decade. One of four priorities he noted to resolve some of Africa’s justice problems is the need for structured and honest dialogue between African States and the Court. According to Minister Jallow, many Africans have voiced the concern that international justice has been applied unevenly, and that those concerns deserve an answer, not dismissal. Justice, he said, cannot be selective; it must be seen to be consistently applied to the powerful and the weak alike, without regard to nationality or official position. “Let Freetown be remembered not for what we said about cooperation, but for what we resolved to do”.The seminar had several panellist who contributed case studies to demonstrate their views and aspirations in strengthening international justice cooperation. The seminar ended with a renewed, stronger commitment by member states to improve cooperation and partnerships in fighting impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.

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Russia’s Honorary Consul in The Gambia Awarded Pushkin Medal by President Putin at Kremlin

BANJUL, The Gambia, 4 November 2026 — Momodou Lamin Manga, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in The Gambia, has been awarded the prestigious Pushkin Medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a state awards ceremony held at the Kremlin to mark Russia’s National Unity Day.According to an announcement by the Russian Embassy in The Gambia, Manga received the medal for his contributions to culture, the preservation of historical heritage, and his efforts to strengthen relations between peoples and promote Russian culture internationally.The Pushkin Medal is a Russian state decoration awarded to individuals for achievements in culture, arts, education, literature, and contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of international cultural cooperation.The ceremony, held on 4 November, brought together distinguished individuals from Russia and other countries who were recognised for their contributions to strengthening national unity and advancing international cooperation. Alongside Manga, several foreign public figures, scientists, and entrepreneurs received Pushkin Medals and Orders of Friendship.Manga’s recognition represents a significant milestone in the cultural and diplomatic relations between The Gambia and the Russian Federation.A former Director General of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), Manga was appointed Honorary Consul of Russia in The Gambia in 2015. Since his appointment, he has played a role in facilitating bilateral engagements, particularly in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations.Among the notable initiatives associated with his tenure was the establishment of the Russian Consulate’s presence in Banjul in 2016 and efforts to create opportunities for Gambian artists to access the Russian music market through a bilateral cultural agreement signed that same year.More recently, Manga has continued to participate in diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In October 2026, Russian Ambassador Sergei Kruykov visited Banjul, underscoring renewed efforts to deepen diplomatic and bilateral relations.During the visit, Ambassador Kruykov described Manga as an “extraordinary diplomat” and expressed confidence in his ability to facilitate further progress in relations between Russia and The Gambia. Since then, the Russian Federation has sent a full ambassador to The Gambia, who has already presented his credentials The award of the Pushkin Medal places Manga among foreign nationals recognised by the Russian Federation for their contributions to cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and international cooperation.For The Gambia, the recognition also highlights the role of cultural diplomacy and the contributions of individuals working to build stronger international partnerships beyond traditional political and economic engagement. 

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GOV'T SIGNS LANDMARK INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT WITH GHANAIAN FIRM JOSPONG

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources has signed a landmark Integrated Waste Management Project with Ghanaian firm Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) to collect, transform and manage waste in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region.The signing ceremony was held at State House and presided over by President Adama Barrow. The project is expected to fundamentally address challenges related to waste collection, management and transformation, while creating jobs for thousands of Gambians.The agreement was signed by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, and the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, as President Barrow looked on.Transforming Waste ManagementWaste remains a major challenge, particularly within the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region, where local councils spend millions of Dalasis annually on collection, management and disposal.Under the terms of the agreement, Jospong Group — which specialises in waste collection, management and transformation and operates in 29 African countries — will develop waste collection and treatment facilities in Kanifing Municipality, Banjul and the West Coast Region.According to Chairman Agyepong, the company will build a complete waste management ecosystem, including treatment plants, waste trucks, tricycles and dustbins, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Gambians.Mr Agyepong praised the Government's rapid infrastructural transformation and commended President Barrow for his leadership.A Milestone for The GambiaThe Minister of Environment, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, welcomed the partnership, noting that it will revolutionise waste collection, management and treatment in The Gambia. She expressed confidence that Jospong will deliver as stipulated in the contract.The Executive Director of the National Environment Agency (NEA), Dr Dawda Badgie, described the agreement as the culmination of years of work to develop an integrated waste management roadmap to comprehensively address challenges in the sector. He hailed it as a great milestone that underscores the Government's full commitment to solving the waste problem.Decommissioning of Bakoteh DumpsiteA key component of the partnership is the decommissioning of the Bakoteh landfill, which has been at the heart of waste collection and disposal in Kanifing Municipality for decades.The government plans to build a modern market on the site once decommissioned, to promote socio-economic development. The move will bring major relief to residents of Kanifing Municipality, particularly communities in Bakoteh and Manjai Kunda who have long endured the environmental and health hazards associated with the dumpsite. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES DEMBA KUNDA - BASSE ROAD, LAYS FOUNDATION FOR FOOTBALL FIELD

President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the Demba Kunda–Numuyel–Manneh Kunda–Basse road at a grand ceremony in Demba Kunda attended by thousands of people from Jimara and Basse.The 14-kilometre road provides a vital corridor for beneficiary communities, enhancing access to markets, health facilities, schools and other social services. The project underscores President Barrow's commitment to road infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.After nearly two years of construction, the road linking Basse to Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel was officially opened. The President, flanked by the Minister of Works, officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and community leaders, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration.The road is fully funded by the Government under the Rural Roads Infrastructure Project, which seeks to decentralise development to communities across the country.Wild CelebrationsAfter the ribbon-cutting, President Barrow drove through the new road to Demba Kunda. Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering and thanking the President for fulfilling one of the most pressing needs of Jimara and Basse.As he approached Demba Kunda, thousands of people welcomed him with great fanfare and excitement, escorting him to the meeting grounds where elders lined up to greet him.The Alkalo of Demba Kunda, 94-year-old Alhaji Degumeh Ceesay Camara, went down memory lane, recalling when travelling from Demba Kunda to Numuyel and Basse was a nightmare."In the past, it took a whole day to travel from Demba Kunda to Basse, but now it takes minutes," the Alkalo said with pride, as he expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his commitment to the welfare of the people.He challenged the people of Demba Kunda, Numuyel, Manneh Kunda and Basse to vote for President Barrow, describing it as a duty and responsibility to enable him to continue his development agenda.Similar calls were made by the representative of the Chief of Jimara, Alhaji Julaba Ceesay, youth representative Swaibou Jagana, and women's representative Fatumata Kanteh. The speakers said all 87 villages in the area are united in their desire to keep President Barrow in power, describing the upcoming December 5 election as a foregone conclusion.They hailed the road as a major milestone that will open up Demba Kunda and Numuyel to the rest of the country.Veteran politician and NPP Regional Chairman, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised President Barrow for the landmark development, noting the dramatic reduction in travel time."It used to take 25 minutes to travel just 3 kilometres to Basse. Now it takes only 3 minutes to reach the regional capital," Bubu said to loud applause. He predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, saying his development track record is unmatched in Gambian history.The National Assembly Member for Jimara, Hon. Essa Conteh, and the Governor of URR, Samba Bah, also commended the President for transforming the Upper River Region through roads, schools, health facilities and electricity, and both predicted a landslide victory in December.Built to Last 20 YearsThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, said the 14km road is built to the highest quality standards and can last 20 years. Given its strategic location, he said the road is fitted with proper drainage to address perennial flooding in Numuyel and Demba Kunda, and will also be fitted with solar streetlights. He advised motorists to use the road with care.In his inaugural address, President Barrow said the road is more than a physical link."It brings better access, greater economic opportunity, easier movement, and a stronger connection between rural communities and the national road network," the President said.He noted that the people of Demba Kunda and Numuyel have long grappled with a poor road network that hampered development, but expressed confidence that the new road will enable them to realise their full potential.President Barrow reaffirmed infrastructure as a key priority of his government, with emphasis on decentralisation to reach every community. He, however, admonished road users and motorists to use the road responsibly and respect safety regulations.He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and promised to expand the road network in Jimara and the wider URR, disclosing that 380km of roads are earmarked for construction if given another mandate.He appealed to the people of Jimara to vote for him and called on all Gambians to exercise their franchise in December, saying the stakes are very high and the outcome will determine the future of the country.The President later proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Demba Kunda football field.

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