The minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure, Lamin Bojang, over the weekend commissioned, on behalf of The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, a US$7.2 million Western Region feeder road project in the Fonis.

Funded by the Republic of China (Taiwan) through its development partnership with The Gambia government, the feeder roads are among a number of other roads commissioned across the country as part of activities marking the 15th anniversary celebration of the July 22nd Revolution. The Kalaji-Arankon Kunda and Mayork-Sangajorr feeder roads, with  lengths of 21 and 17 kilometers respectively, were commissioned last Saturda, whilst the 14 kilometer Kanilai-Mayork road was commissioned on Sunday. 

Addressing a gathering in Kalaji, Minister Bojang said that government was motivated to embark on the construction of this feeder road project due to its commitment to enhancing the socio-economic and health status of the communities in rural Gambia. "I am convinced that this road network will facilitate easy movement of people and boost the production and marketing of agricultural produce, which is a major source of livelihood in this area," underscored Minister Bojang, while noting that access to health facilities will be greatly enhanced.

To this end, the Works, Construction and Infrastructure minister challenged the people in the area and the entire citizens of the country in general to make maximum use of the roads by exploring and engaging in various economic activities. He implored on them to endeavour to sustain the existing atmosphere of good neighborliness, peace and tranquility in the area. On behalf of the Gambian leader, Minister Bojang went on to commend the government and the "friendly people" of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their "impressive funding" of this road project.

For his part, the ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in The Gambia, Richard Shih, said it is evident that the people of this country are enjoying the fruits of development implemented by its government, architected by its leader, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. Taiwan, he said, is proud to be one of the close partners of The Gambia. He described the feeder road project as yet another manifestation of the Gambia government's resolve to advancing national socio-economic development.

Ambassador Shih went on to indicate that with this project, the people of the area shall have easier access to various services and opportunities in sectors such as education, training, healthcare, employment, trade, agriculture, amongst others. "As a sincere development partner, Taiwan is committed to working closely with The Gambia in these priority sectors to respond to the aspiration of the people for development. For more than one decade Taiwan has increasingly been impressed by the remarkable progress The Gambia has been making in creating an environment enabling its people to stride towards the Vision 2020," remarked the Taiwanese Ambassador.

Ambassador Shih used the opportunity to commend the Ministry of Works, Construction and Infrastructure and the National Road Authority, and other key stakeholders for the successful implementation of the feeder road project. Present at the ceremony were ministers, National Assembly members, officials of the Taiwanese embassy, senior government officials and a cross section of people from the beneficiary communities.