Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Presidential aspirant Amadou Jaiteh has raised concerns over the timing and presentation of recent development projects commissioned by the government, urging a more consistent and policy-driven approach to national development.
In a statement titled “Development Is a Duty, Not a Political Timeline,” Jaiteh acknowledged that several recent initiatives, such as the introduction of a grant-funded ferry and renewed rural electrification efforts, are important and long overdue. However, he said the concentration of such projects within a short period raises questions about governance and long-term planning.
“No serious observer would question the importance of improved transport systems or expanded access to electricity,” Jaiteh said. “However, the issue is not the value of these developments, but their timing, their framing, and the broader implications for governance.”
According to him, development in a well-functioning system should be continuous and guided by long-term national planning rather than delivered in sporadic bursts.
“Development is not episodic. It does not arrive in concentrated bursts. It is steady, predictable, and guided by long-term national planning,” he stated, while questioning why momentum in key sectors has intensified only recently.
Jaiteh also referred to the recently introduced ferry, noting that such projects are often funded through international partnerships and should be regarded as national assets rather than political accomplishments.
“These are not political gifts, nor should they be framed as personal milestones of leadership,” he said.
The presidential hopeful further warned that concentrating development around politically significant periods could weaken public trust and accountability.
“When essential services begin to appear as rewards tied to timing rather than rights guaranteed by the state, it erodes the foundation of accountability,” he noted.
Jaiteh emphasized that governance should be people-centered and institutional, rather than driven by political cycles or personalities. He added that a credible leadership record should be demonstrated through sustained delivery over time.
“Development should not depend on political calendars,” he said. “It is a responsibility of government to serve the people consistently, not selectively.”
The statement comes amid an increase in government project commissioning across the country under the administration of Adama Barrow.
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