The ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC) Dr Richard Shih, Monday presented two cheques for a cumulative sum of D23 million to Hon. Alhagie Cham, minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure on behalf of the minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure, for the ongoing road rehabilitation works in the Greater Banjul Area.

The first cheque of US$453, 08 (Four hundred and fifty-three thousand and eight dollars), which is approximately D11million, is earmarked for the final phase of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway.

Presenting the cheque, Ambassador Shih extolled Banjul-Taipei ties, which he said has been on for many years, with both countries ensuring a smooth operation in various bilateral development initiatives.

He said: “I am happy to hand over the 4th payment of the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway renovation. The total amount of this renovation project is approximately D113 million. I am handing over to you today the fourth payment, which amounts to D11 million for the rehabilitation of the Tallinding Buffer Zone trunk roads.”

The Taiwanese ambassador also expressed optimism that the roads will be durable and of the best quality, and serve the people of The Gambia. “I am very much confident that with the able authority of the National Roads Authority and CSE, the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway will be a good quality one,” he added.

Receiving the cheques, Minister Cham assured that The Gambia will closely guard the bilateral ties that bind the two countries and added: “We know the significance of the roads in development. We are most grateful for the support you continue to render to this country.

We appreciate your support and we will continue to also reciprocate. The relationship between the two countries cannot be overemphasised. We are brothers and sisters now and we will continue to cement that relationship.”
      
D12M for Tallinding trunk roads
In a similar engagement, the Taiwanese ambassador also presented another cheque for the sum of US$ 456, 215 (Four hundred and fifty-six thousand two hundred and fifteen dollars) equivalent to D12 million to the Information minister for the construction of Tallinding and Buffer Zone trunk roads. The roads are already in use and are at the final stages of construction.