President Adama Barrow has inaugurated four bridges at a tune of D4.2 billion in the Upper River Region (URR).

The bridges are funded and built under a grant from China.

Speaking at the launch of the project in Basse, President Barrow said the project will help improve the living standards of URR residents .

“The government of Chine financed the $80 million project and I must explained that was a grant which covers four components namely; the Basse-Fatoto-Koina road, the Basse-Wulli Bridge and link road, the Basse Bridge and link roads, the this Chamoye and Suduwol Bridge.  

“I am proud to observe that the roads and bridges are of international grade 2 highway standard. To prevent road accidents, the designed is based on a speed limit of 60KM per hours in rural settings and 40KM pers hours in urban settings,” the president said.

“The completion of the project implies improvement of living standards and also signifies increased economic activities and wider access to social services such as health and education. 

“The forum on China Africa cooperation provided the People’s Republic of China and the Gambia a vital platform for partnership and collaboration to giving and strengthens understanding and friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” he added.

According to the president, the occasion highlights the historic realisation of the people’s dreams and the project marked a huge national infrastructural development and a major milestone in the implementation of the 2018-2021 national development plans.

 “With the completion of the Basse-Koina road, the main throng roads of the national highway are now successfully developed to standard. 

“This main highway stretches from the west coast to the eastern region and run along the entire north and south band of the country. 

“Our road network is the backbone of the country’s transport system. There is no doubt that this achievement will facilitate and promote the free movement of people, and good and services,” he continued

Reporting by Adama Makasuba