Gambiaj.com – (BULANJORR, THE GAMBIA) – Residents of Bulanjorr in Foni have called on President Adama Barrow to ensure the completion of their long-awaited road, saying the ongoing construction must result in a properly surfaced road that improves transport and access to farms, particularly during the rainy season.
The appeal was made during President Barrow’s Meet the People Tour in Foni Jarrol, Foni Bondali and Foni Kansala, where residents welcomed the commencement of the road project but stressed that the work must be completed to the standard they expect.
Alkalo Wassa Jammeh said the community had spent decades seeking a solution to its road problems under successive governments before construction finally began.
“For 30 years, we pursued former President Dawda Jawara because of this road. Then President Yahya Jammeh came to power and ruled for 22 years. We did everything we could,” he said.
While welcoming the start of construction, Jammeh urged the government to ensure that the road receives a blacktop surface rather than leaving the community with an unfinished project.
The Alkalo said residents also faced challenges with access to water, healthcare and places of worship. He disclosed that the community had used a traditional self-help initiative known as “teysito” to begin constructing a hospital, but the facility remained incomplete.
Road Access And Healthcare
Seyfo of Foni Bintang Karanai, Lamin Jobarteh, also highlighted the road’s long history, describing poor access as a major source of hardship for Bulanjorr residents.
He said the situation had contributed to the community’s isolation, particularly during the rainy season, when residents struggled to reach their farms.
“No one has relieved us of this hardship until President Adama Barrow,” Jobarteh said.
Village Development Committee Chairman Yahya Badjie said the ongoing road project had already eased some of the difficulties residents faced.
He recalled that pregnant women previously had to be transported on donkey carts, illustrating the challenges residents encountered in accessing healthcare when road conditions deteriorated.
Badjie, however, called for the road project to be extended to Tubabana through Jakoi, saying residents wanted improved connectivity beyond the section currently under construction.
Barrow Defends Foni Development Record
The demands came as President Barrow defended his administration’s development record in Foni, arguing that his government had delivered more development in the area than previous administrations combined over 52 years.
“Foni is part of The Gambia, and every Gambian is equal in my eyes. Whether someone comes from Mankamang Kunda, Kanilai or Sareh Jaliba, I consider them all equal,” he said.
Barrow also compared development in Foni with conditions in his home area of Jimara, saying 30 villages there still lacked electricity and roads of a similar standard.
“If I were to put family ties first, I would have prioritised Jimara,” he said, adding that his responsibility was to all Gambians who had entrusted him with leadership.
While residents acknowledged the commencement of the road project, their demands underscored that construction alone has not resolved the community’s long-standing transport problems.
They want the road fully completed and surfaced, while also calling for improvements in water supply and healthcare infrastructure.
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