President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the EPC LOT 8 Gunjur–Beachside Road Project, a 4.5-kilometer stretch linking Gunjur to the coast, urging Gambians to move past election rivalries and focus on national development.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Gunjur, Barrow declared the election season over and invited opposition figures, including Essa Mbaye Faal and United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe, to join his government’s efforts. “The election period in The Gambia is over,” he said. “We are looking only for peace and to work for this country.”
Barrow highlighted the importance of redirecting resources from political campaigns to infrastructure and livelihoods. He pointed to his administration’s record, citing electricity expansion to more than 1,000 communities and the laying of 1,600 kilometers of foundation stones nationwide. “Leadership is a contract with the people,” he told the crowd. “When people vote for you, you must fulfill their wishes. That is the contract I am fulfilling.”
The president contrasted today’s political climate with the fear under former President Yahya Jammeh, saying Gambians now speak freely but warning against leaders who seek to influence voters with money. He urged citizens to judge politicians by their record of service, not their wealth.
The inauguration was described as historic for Gunjur, a community long awaiting the road. Works and Infrastructure Minister Ebrima Sillah said the project, launched three years ago, would ease the transport of fish to markets in Brikama and beyond, while also supporting women in fish smoking and gardening. Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally added that farms lining the corridor would benefit from improved access to fields and markets.
Despite rain on the day of the ceremony, Barrow insisted the event go ahead, recalling the joy of residents during earlier inspections. “The happiness of the people nearly made me cry,” he said.
Barrow concluded by framing the road as part of a broader vision of development under his presidency. “Allah helped me to fulfill my intention,” he said. “Human beings cannot do everything, but God is in control.”
