As part of his ongoing inspection tour of all government-funded road projects across the country, the Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Mr Ousman Sanyang, on Thursday 13th June 2024, visited the ongoing Lot 1&2 Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) road projects in the Upper River Region (URR).

The Lot 1 road project, which is 69km, is contracted to Gai Construction, a Gambian-owned company, and CityScape Associates is the Consultant.

The project is divided into eleven sections of roads. The contractor is currently working on five roads, i.e., Basse Manneh Kunda – Demba Kunda – Gambisara Road (13.93 km); Angalfuta Road Project (1.76 km); Basse Manneh Kunda and Basse Road Project (1.6 km); Dampha Kunda to Tambansansang Road (9.2 km); and Chamoi to Dampha Kunda (2.8 km).

The progress for the works varies across the different sections of the road, and the overall progress is estimated at approximately 8%.

The Lot 2 road project is 50km long and is contracted to Cornerstone Construction, another Gambian-owned company, and CityScape Associates is the Consultant.

The 50km EPC road project is divided into three sections as

• Section 1- Karantaba – Reneru – Tabanani – Demfaye – Njaga-Fitu Fulla is 26km long;

• Section 2- Njau Loop, 12 km; and

• Section 3- Laminkoto – Banni – Youna and Kunting is 12 km.

The progress of work is estimated at approximately 30%.

The EPC Lots 1 and 2 projects started a few months ago, and hence the slow progress as the initial works comprised mobilization and setting up the site camps.

Lot 1 has challenges with utility diversions in a few built-up areas as well as small areas of land acquisition (fences affected mainly).

Overall, though, the projects are progressing well, with good community liaisons and engagement.

Now that the consultants are fully mobilised on site, the MD is optimistic about considerable progress in the coming months, especially after the rains.

MD Sanyang will on Friday 14th June 2024, complete his tour with visits to the ongoing EPC Lot 3 & 4 roads, as well as the Kiang West Roads project in the Lower River and West Coast Regions respectively.