During an inspection visit by a delegation led by the Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Honorable Ebrima Sillah, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Johnson expressed concerns over the availability of bitumen for the road construction. He explained that sourcing bitumen has been a major hurdle for the project.

In response, Minister Sillah acknowledged the issue and informed the delegation that his office has engaged with the past Senegalese government through Macky Sall’s Ministry of Public Works. This engagement has secured priority for Gambian companies in purchasing bitumen from Senegal. He also mentioned plans to discuss a similar arrangement with the new administration in Senegal.

“We have noted the concerns and will work closely with our counterparts in Senegal to ensure that Gambian companies receive priority in acquiring bitumen,” said Minister Sillah. However, he cautioned that the bitumen manufacturing factory is currently overwhelmed with demand, as Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau all source their bitumen from the same facility.

The Kiang West Road Project spans 87 kilometers, consisting of a 39-kilometer stretch from Kiang Sankandi to Kiang Karantaba, which is 75% complete, and a 48-kilometer segment connecting Kiang Keneba to Kiang Kemoto, with 58% completion.

CityScapes Associates serves as the project’s consultant, while Gai Construction is the contractor responsible for its execution.

The delegation also inspected the Foni road network, including the 20.7-kilometer road linking Kalagi to Kamangka, where subgrading work has been completed. Clearing and grubbing have also finished for the Sagajorr to Darsilameh segment, as well as for the Kanfenda to Tintinba road. SOMAGEC is the contractor for this project, with Gamecs acting as the consultant.