The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, has conducted a routine inspection of the ongoing construction of the Fajara Waterfront Road.
The Minister, who embarked on the inspection on Tuesday 9 September, emphasised the importance of the road, stating that it serves as a vital link between hotels and other infrastructure within the tourism development area.
“This is a crucial access route for the tourism sector. It is a critical road that needs our urgent intervention as it is the only road that tourists and businesses can access to hotels for now,” he said.
He highlighted the urgency of the project, particularly following the closure of the BB Hotel Bridge due to severe structural deterioration, which has necessitated the development of an alternative access route to surrounding hotels, resorts, and other key tourism-related facilities.
He further explained that the ministry through the National Roads Authority (NRA) has awarded the project to Hage Group, officially launching the BB Hotel Waterfront Access Road Project.
The Fajara Waterfront route, which was previously a narrow pedestrian pathway, is currently undergoing a comprehensive upgrade into a reinforced concrete vehicular road. This new access road is designed to provide uninterrupted access for hotel guests, suppliers, and staff, ensuring operational continuity for the hospitality sector in the area.
The Minister noted that the intervention is not only critical for maintaining local mobility but also plays a strategic role in supporting the tourism industry, safeguarding jobs and minimizing disruptions to economic activity in one of The Gambia’s key coastal zones.
The Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, accompanied the Minister during the inspection. He said the visit aimed to ensure “proper supervision is maintained and that the road meets the required standards”.
The scope of the work includes construction of a concrete carriageway of 465meter with 6.0 meters width suitable for vehicles.
The overall progress is 60% completed, including the full completion of the sub-grade, sub-base and sand blinding layers.
The ongoing construction of the Fajara Waterfront Road is a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure in The Gambia, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector and promoting economic growth in the country.
