President Adama Barrow on Sunday, 9 August 2026, inaugurated the newly completed 17-kilometre Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road and laid the foundation stone for the 52.1-kilometre Lot 6 Roads Project in the North Bank Region (NBR).

Fully funded by the Government of The Gambia, the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road was constructed by Bajam Construction Limited under the supervision of the National Roads Authority (NRA). The completed road is expected to improve rural connectivity, enhance access to markets and essential services, and support economic activity in surrounding communities.

As part of the same programme, President Barrow launched the Lot 6 project, which comprises 15 road links across the North Bank Region. Foundation stones were laid for the 5-kilometre Kerewan road link and the 6-kilometre Daru Rilwan–Kerr Saikou Taal–Kerr Pateh road link.

The projects form part of the Government’s Connect Gambia Infrastructure Initiative, aimed at expanding and improving the country’s road network and strengthening connectivity nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow said the projects go beyond the construction of physical infrastructure, describing them as investments in service delivery, improved living conditions and development opportunities.

He said the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda Road demonstrates what can be achieved through focus, determination and collective effort, noting that the road will improve access to social services, boost economic activity, and enhance safety and security.

NRA Managing Director Sulayman Sumareh Janneh described the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremonies as important milestones in the Government’s broader effort to connect communities and bring development closer to the Gambian people.

He emphasised that road infrastructure is a key driver of economic development, reducing travel time, improving access to markets, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and strengthening access to healthcare, education and other essential public services.