President Adama Barrow on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, visited ongoing road construction works in Kiang Kabada and Kiang West in the Lower River Region, as part of the nationwide rollout of the government’s GIRAV agricultural roads initiative.

The projects form part of the EPC Lot 3 component of the nationwide roads programme, where construction is progressing steadily, with overall physical completion reaching 63.81 percent. Fully funded by the government, the works are being executed by Longjing Construction Company and supervised by GAMECS Consulting Engineers.

Spanning 12 road links with a total length of about 102 kilometres, the Lot 3 project is a key part of the Kabada Loop corridor, designed to connect rural communities to the Trans-Gambia Highway. All road sections have reached base course level, with active works ongoing on five stretches.

Some sections are nearing completion, including the Nioro–Sibito–Sare Suna–Kundong Fulakunda road, where final surfacing has exceeded 86 percent. The Njolfen–Toranka Bantang–Kolior Sulah and the Gambia Border–Sare Sajo–Jatta Kunda–Nemakuta roads have also recorded over 90 percent progress in earthworks. Meanwhile, the Kwinella–Wellingara–Tabanani–Madina–Nioro corridor is advancing steadily, with earthworks above 95 percent and surfacing works approaching the halfway stage.

Across the project sites, key infrastructure such as drainage culverts, erosion control systems and reinforced concrete Irish crossings are either completed or at advanced stages.

Kiang West Roads Project Nears Completion

The Kiang West Roads Project, implemented in two phases, is also nearing completion. The 87-kilometre project, fully funded by the government, is being carried out by Gai Construction, with Cityscape Associates as consultants.

Phase One, covering the 39-kilometre Sankandi–Karantaba trunk road, is 98 percent complete. Road sealing and pavement markings have been finalised, with ongoing installation of road furniture such as signs, guard rails and marker posts.

Phase Two, which has expanded from four to ten road sections, covers 48 kilometres and connects more than 20 communities. Sealing works have been completed, while drainage construction and installation of road furniture are progressing. Road marking is expected to begin in the coming week. This phase currently stands at 95 percent completion.

Overall, the Kiang West project is in its final stages and is expected to significantly improve mobility, road safety, and economic activities in the region.

Upon completion, both projects are set to enhance connectivity, ease access to markets and services, and facilitate the movement of people, goods and agricultural produce across the Lower River Region.