17KM Banni-Salikene-Njaba Kunda Road inaugurated

Authorities state that the project aims to enhance rural connectivity, increase access to markets and vital services, and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities. “The Bani-Salikeni Road demonstrates what can be achieved if we stay focused, determined, and united. This aligns with my government's commitment to developing this nation. The new road will significantly improve access to various social services, drive economic growth, and improve security and safety,” President Barrow said at the inauguration. President Barrow added that NBR is receiving unprecedented attention from his administration, noting that the people of the region deserve recognition after decades of isolation. The inauguration of the Banni-Salikene road comes just 24 hours after the President launched projects in Barra, Bakalarr, Jurunku, Ndugu Kebbeh, Samba Kalla, and Kerr Omar Saine to construct roads in these communities. Barrow emphasised that these project launches are not coincidental but part of a strategic plan to benefit all Gambians. “Our goal is to systematically transform every corner of this region, and we are steadily fulfilling our promises,” he stated. The Gambian President said the North Bank Region is rising, just as The Gambia is. “To attain our goals, let us continue to work together in peace, unity, and determination to build the nation of our pride.” Sulayman Sumareh-Janneh, Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA), said the Bani-Salikene Road will improve mobility, broaden market access, and strengthen socio-economic interactions within the project area. The NRA director described the road’s inauguration as a milestone that forms part of a broader national effort to connect communities and bring development closer to the people. “The National Roads Authority remains committed to ensuring that all projects under its authority are executed according to approved engineering standards, contractual obligations, and internationally recognised quality assurance procedures,” he confirmed. Governor of the North Bank Region, Lamin Saidykhan, commended the government for its ongoing investment in regional road construction. “These roads are linking all the communities in the region. We thank President Barrow and his government for this development,” Governor Saidykhan stated. Alhagie Jagne, the Chief of Central Badibu, praised the government for the infrastructure developments in the country, especially the construction of the Banni-Salikene road.  Chief Jagne urged the people of Central Badibu and beyond to rally behind President Barrow and his ruling National People’s Party (NPP).  Pa Saikou Kanteh, a youth rep., underscored the inauguration of the road as a historical milestone that the people of Central Badibu were only dreaming of.  “President Jawara was here, he did not develop our road. President Jammeh was here and he did not develop our road. President Barrow came and constructed our road and we were paying tax just like we are paying tax now. The people of Badibu could only dream of this. Now it is a reality. President Barrow, thank you for developing our roads,” he said.  Kanteh said for more than 50 years, residents of Central Badibu struggled to navigate the road especially during the rainy season. He said the completion of the road has removed that burden on them. Other speakers at the inauguration in Njaba Kunda underscored the importance of the road and its significance in accessing other communities in the district.