By:saikou Jawo
In a recent discussions, the ongoing OIC infrastructure projects in The Gambia have sparked significant public interest and debate. President Adama Barrow’s tour of these projects has been a focal point, with many Gambians expressing a mix of optimism and concern regarding the progress and challenges faced.
During a recent media talk show, Mr. Dodou Jah, a well-known outspoken figure on Gambian political issues, shared his insights on the matter. He acknowledged the positive impact the OIC has had on The Gambia, describing the event as a significant milestone that has helped elevate the country’s standing on the international stage. Hosting the OIC, according to Mr. Jah, has undoubtedly added value to the nation, especially as The Gambia continues to lead as chair and head of the OIC Secretariat for the next two years.
However, Mr. Jah also highlighted the high expectations surrounding the completion of infrastructure projects linked to the OIC, particularly the road networks. There was widespread anticipation that these projects would be completed before The Gambia hosted the OIC event. Unfortunately, due to various challenges, these expectations were not fully met. Despite this, Mr. Jah emphasized that work is still in progress, and the ongoing efforts by the President and other government officials to monitor the developments are crucial.
One of the major concerns raised during the discussion was the issue of road connectivity, particularly regarding the Bartil Harding Highway. Mr. Jah pointed out that while the construction of these roads is a significant achievement for the Barrow administration, there are still gaps in planning. The current road designs make it difficult for residents in certain areas to access the highways easily, leading to frustrations and inconveniences. Some residents have even taken matters into their own hands, creating unofficial roads to connect their streets to the main highways.
Mr. Jah believes that while the OIC infrastructure projects have brought development to The Gambia, they fall short of being a complete success due to these unresolved challenges. The lack of proper planning for road connections, especially for those living near the highways, is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the full benefits of these projects are realized.
In conclusion, the OIC infrastructure projects represent a significant step forward for The Gambia, but the government must address the remaining challenges to ensure these developments are both accessible and sustainable for all citizens. The ongoing work is commendable, but more needs to be done to meet the high expectations set by the public.
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*This article was written by Saikou Jawo, reflecting the sentiments expressed by Dodou Jah during the recent media talk with the new global media on the OIC infrastructure projects in The Gambia.*
