Banjul, 11 May 2026: His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated a 12-kilometre road project linking the communities of Madiana, Brufut, Banyaka and Kunkujang Mariama in the West Coast Region.
The project is expected to benefit more than 80,000 residents living in the area. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Madiana Lower Basic School grounds.
Addressing a large crowd at the event, President Barrow thanked the people of Madiana and the surrounding communities for their patience and support during the construction period. He also commended the Ministry of Works and the National Roads Authority (NRA) for their commitment and determination in ensuring the timely completion of the project.
“This road is a corridor of opportunity for the people of Madiana, Brufut, Banyaka and Kunkujang Mariama,” President Barrow said. He noted that the road would boost economic activities, improve businesses and enhance the living conditions of residents.
The President further stated that the road would strengthen connectivity among communities and create greater opportunities for residents to improve their livelihoods. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working with development partners to continue advancing the country’s infrastructure development.
President Barrow urged motorists and residents to observe traffic regulations and maintain the road so it could serve communities for many years. He added that his government would continue expanding and constructing roads across the country, describing road infrastructure as key to national development and community unity.
Reflecting on the condition of the area before the construction of the road, the President said travelling through Madiana used to be difficult but had now become easier and faster. According to him, the improved accessibility has already encouraged people to build new homes in the area.
“Before, people travelling to Serrekunda had to wake up very early, but now transportation has become much easier because of the improved road network,” he said.
President Barrow also stated that his government is using local resources to finance national development projects. He expressed optimism that Gambians would witness unprecedented development between 2026 and 2031.
Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region said President Barrow’s development initiatives have reached every region in the country. He added that the road would significantly ease the movement of people and goods.
Sulayman Sumareh, Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, described Madiana as a strategic location with a rapidly growing population of over 80,000 people.
Chief Momodou Bojang thanked the President for bringing much-needed development to the area, noting that road construction projects are transforming communities across the country.
Lamin Janbajaba Jammeh, Chairman of the National People’s Party (NPP) in the West Coast Region, also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for constructing the road linking Madiana, Banyaka, Brufut and Kunkujang Mariama. He further praised Works Minister Ebrima Sillah for his role in advancing infrastructure development across the country.
Jammeh noted that while development progress between 2017 and 2021 was limited, significant infrastructure expansion has taken place since 2022
By Lamin Kujabi