Gambiaj.com – (GUNJUR, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the newly completed 4.5-kilometer EPC Lot 8 Gunjur Seaside Road in the West Coast Region, using the occasion to call on opposition leaders to set aside political differences and join his government’s development agenda.
The government-funded project, implemented by Green Vision International under the supervision of the National Roads Authority (NRA), links the Brusubi–Kartong Highway to the Gunjur seaside.
It includes concrete-paved carriageways, drainage systems on both sides, streetlighting, and a branch connecting the road to the Sheikh Ahmad Futi Grand Mosque. The NRA has previously identified the project as part of the government’s wider investment in road infrastructure.
The road is expected to improve access to Gunjur’s coastal area and the Tourism Development Area while facilitating the movement of residents, traders, fishermen, farmers, and visitors.
Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah said improved road access would have a direct impact on economic activity and everyday life.
“When we improve access, we improve lives. A fisherman can transport his catch more efficiently, a trader can reach customers more easily, and a visitor can access the seaside with greater comfort,” Sillah said.
Barrow declares election “over.”
Gunjur dignitaries attended the inauguration
But the inauguration also took a distinctly political turn as President Barrow addressed the large gathering in Gunjur ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
The National People’s Party leader declared that, in his view, the political contest had effectively been settled, saying Gambians were aware of political developments and could not be easily misled.
“The election in The Gambia is over,” Barrow said.
He pointed to the recent decision by Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mama Kandeh to join his political camp and said he had also reached out to his “godfather in politics,” United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe.
Barrow argued that political actors could instead channel resources that would ordinarily be spent on election campaigns into national development.
He also invited former presidential candidate Essa Mbaye Faal and other political leaders to work with him.
“And to the people I have not yet called, people like Essa Faal, come and join me. Let us work together. To the others, come and join me and let us work. We are looking for only peace and to work for this country,” he said.
Barrow further challenged Gambians with political experience and knowledge to join his administration’s development efforts.
“If you believe in your knowledge and your ability, come and join President Barrow,” he said.
Although he did not name them, his remarks were made in the context of longstanding opposition figures, including Darboe and other veteran politicians.
Barrow also projected confidence about the December election, saying, “What we did in 2021 will be more than what we will do this year.” His remarks come as political parties and alliances intensify preparations for the December 5 presidential poll.
Why the inauguration was postponed
Barrow also explained why the initial date for the road’s inauguration had been postponed.
He said the original ceremony coincided with the death of a respected elder in Pirang, making it inappropriate to proceed with the event.
The President said respect for elders remains an important Gambian value and was the reason his government decided to reschedule the inauguration for Saturday.
“In The Gambia we were brought up with a good upbringing, with our religion and with respect for elders. That is why we postponed and set today (Saturday) for the inauguration,” Barrow said.
The Gunjur road now forms part of a series of newly completed road projects being commissioned by the government, with authorities presenting the infrastructure programme as an effort to improve connectivity and support economic activity across the country.
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