Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow conducted an inspection tour of development projects across the Greater Banjul Area on Wednesday, spotlighting both achievements and delays in infrastructure efforts. The President, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, engaged with engineers and contractors to evaluate progress and address challenges.

The tour began at the University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Campus, specifically the second phase of the project, which includes the Chancery Building, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, and the Faculty of Law. While some areas demonstrated notable advancements, others underscored a recurring issue: the sluggish pace of government-sponsored projects.

UTG Projects: Mixed Outcomes

The Chancery Building, a pivotal part of the UTG expansion, has faced significant delays, attributed to heavy rains and poor coordination among stakeholders. During his visit, President Barrow expressed dissatisfaction with the building’s progress, urging contractors to adhere to realistic timelines.

“We need to match our ambition with efficient execution,” the President remarked, reiterating the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure.

However, the Schools of Agriculture and Law painted a contrasting picture, with both nearing completion at 90%. For the first time, the Faculty of Agriculture will feature a laboratory for fieldwork, and the Faculty of Law will include a moot court to enhance practical learning.

Government Projects Facing Hurdles

The tour also included the Ministry of Environment’s new headquarters in Abuko, which, once completed, will boast 94 offices and is expected to generate substantial employment. Scheduled for handover in March 2025, the project is part of a broader government goal to create 150,000 jobs by 2027. Despite these ambitions, the delays in execution have cast doubt on the government’s ability to meet its targets on time.

At the Banjul Shipyard, the Kanilai Ferry, another government-led initiative, is still under construction. While engineers assured progress, the project’s pace underscores challenges often faced by state-sponsored developments, including funding constraints and administrative bottlenecks.

Private Sector Shines at Hydara Car City

In stark contrast, the Hydara Industrial Zone in Abuko exemplifies the efficiency of private-sector-led projects. Hydara Car City, a 300-stall facility connecting buyers and sellers of vehicles and spare parts, is nearly operational. The initiative also plans to expand with an additional 300 stalls, demonstrating how private investment can swiftly translate into tangible outcomes.

President Barrow commended the project’s efficiency, noting its potential to combat unemployment and contribute to the economy. “This is a model of what can be achieved when resources are well-managed and objectives are clear,” he stated.

The inspection highlighted a growing divide between the performance of government-sponsored and private-sector projects. While the government has outlined ambitious plans to improve infrastructure and livelihoods, the slow pace of execution raises questions about efficiency and accountability.

As The Gambia moves forward, President Barrow’s government must address these discrepancies to meet its development goals. Without a renewed focus on timely delivery, public trust in large-scale government initiatives risks erosion.