President Adama Barrow has inaugurated the newly completed 84.5-kilometre Nuimi–Hakalang road, linking communities in Lower Nuimi, Upper Nuimi and Jokadou to the rest of the North Bank Region.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Barrow said the project fulfils his government’s promise to improve connectivity for previously isolated communities and enhance access to essential services.

“For years, farmers struggled to transport their produce and traders faced huge obstacles before reaching markets. Access to schools, markets, healthcare facilities and other services was a nightmare,” he said.

The new road also links to Jufureh and Kunta Kinteh Island, one of The Gambia’s key historical tourism sites, which the government says will boost tourism and stimulate local economic activity.

North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan said the Barrow administration has not only provided road infrastructure but has also delivered complementary projects including healthcare facilities, tractors, schools, and access to water and electricity.

Traditional griots and speakers at the event praised the project, describing it as the first time residents of Hakalang have had a fully motorable road.

The government says the road forms part of its wider effort to improve infrastructure and support national development.