By Lamin Njie
The construction work of the Old Yundum overpass is getting into the final stage of work as personnel are busy installing the steel reinforcement on the deck of the overpass.
Meanwhile, the bridge cross beams for the other two overpasses which are to be constructed at the Turn Table near the Petroleum House are completed and waiting for the inauguration of the work. The third and final overpass is proposed to be constructed at Traffic Light, Kairaba Avenue.
The road construction work for the extension of the 22km Bertil Harding Highway project from the Airport Junction to Stink Corner is also progressing steadily with construction work being accomplished at Turn Table, proceeding towards the Senegambia area.
These massive infrastructural development projects are all part of a series of other OIC projects currently under implementation within the Greater Banjul Area and some parts of the West Coast Region.
This medium went on a site visit to the Bertil Harding Highway and the overpass at Old Yundum coastal road junction to ascertain progress.
During the visit, it was observed that already, the solar lights have been erected and the asphalt for the first layer of the road is done as well. Furthermore, the Bitumen priming, roadbed, cement stabilization base, sub-base layer, and subgrade layer are also completed.
The road, when completed will have three lanes on each side, making it a total of six lanes. It will also have a proper drainage system as well as a footpath for other road users.
Many people who spoke to the Gambia Daily have expressed satisfaction with the level of work in that part of the country.They described the project as very important to the socio-economic development of the country. They called on the contractor to speed up more as the rains are not far.
“The project when completed will really improve the transportation [issues] around this area,” said a middle-aged woman, who preferred to be anonymous.
The Gambia is set to host the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit in due course. The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organisation with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The organisation organises the Islamic Summit, which is the largest meeting, attended by the rulers and the Heads of State and Government of its member states.
