The Gambia Government has announced $84m [D424,794,000] for the upgrading of Bertil-Harding Highway into a dual carriageway.

In his State of Nation address, President Adama Barrow said: “From the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, OPEC Fund for International Development and Abu-Dhabi Fund, Government secured 83 million US Dollars to upgrade the Bertil-Harding Highway into a dual carriageway of 22 kilometres.  

This stretches from Yundum Junction to Sting Corner. The roadworks will take two years to complete.

Barrow said contracts have been signed and local funds will be used for the maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of selected roads in the Greater Banjul Area. 

They include the Bakoteh-Kotu Highway, Brusubi Phase II access road, Kanifing Estate access road and Kololi Gamtel access road. The estimated cost is D90 million. 

On building projects, the president said the major rehabilitation and reconstruction work at the Banjul International Airport (BIA) is now complete, doubling the capacity of the main terminal building.

“The Traffic Control Tower was renovated during the year and re-equipped with new communication facilities. Works are on-going to construct a new VIP lounge. 

“Additional building projects include construction of the Governor’s Residence and Offices in Kerewan, both of which are progressing well and due for completion this year,” he added.”

There are on-going construction works of markets in various parts of the country. Among them are the fire-ravaged markets of Basse and Brikama and the Latri-Kunda, Soma and Farafenni markets. 

He said the ministry has developed a Public Building and Facilities Management Bill, and will submit it to this august Assembly for consideration. 

“The Bill proposes a new framework for the design, construction, operation and management of all Government assets, both in the country and abroad,” he continued.