In yet another important step in the country's infrastructural development, the signing ceremony of the Sukuta-Westfield road project was held last Tuesday at The Gambia Agency for the Management of Public Works (Gamworks) headquarters, located along Kairaba Avenue. The project constitutes an illustration of President Jammeh's commitment to the development of The Gambia. 

The Gambia Agency for the Management of Public Works (Gamworks) and the COPRI Construction Enterprise of Kuwait appended their signature to a document that heralds a new era for the betterment of the road users.  The project  amounted to over D204 million.

 Ms Ada Gaye, the deputy-permanent secretary at the department of state for finance and economic affairs, said the Westfield-Sukuta road project is the brainchild of President Jammeh.  She also disclosed thatThe Gambian leader has taken a keen interest in the development of the designs for the road, as he always insisted that the outset of the said road should comprise drainage system, sidewalks and street lighting.

Ebrima Cham, director general of Gamworks, said the road project which has a length of 7.5km, was designed according to modern standards by Arab Consulting Engineers of Egypt.  He further disclosed that the road will be a two lanes carriage way with packing bays and concrete side walks, drainage system, street lighting throughout and traffic lights at major junctions.  In addition, he added that the old bridge at Bakoteh will be demolished and re-built. "The stream itself will be bridged in the vicinity of the bridge, thus improving drainage conditions in the locality", he noted.

Given the current condition of the road and the economic importance of it, the Gamworks boss outlined that the road upon completion will be of modern standard. This is not only a huge investment, he said, but also confirms the commitment of President Jammeh to the infrastructural development.

Mr Bakary Houma, permanent secretary at the department of state for works, construction and infrastructure, noted that a good transport infrastructure is an important catalyst for socio-economic development of a nation.  "In consideration of the importance of this road to the people, who need to access the big market in KMC, health centres and the Serrekunda Police Station.Tthe President is committed to provide infrastructure countrywide", he said.

Meanwhile, Ashyme Saine-Kah, public relation officer of Gamworks, told the Daily Observer that the road is expected to be completed within a period of18 months.  On the state of preparedness, she revealed that the contractor has returned to Kuwait for the shipment of equipments for construction. He added that the work will commence in the next two months.