Barrow’s Rural Transformation Agenda Accelerates as Communities Celebrate New Feeder Roads

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Communities across Jarra, Kiang and Foni turned out in jubilant numbers to welcome President Adama Barrow as he continued his nationwide foundation-laying tour for new feeder roads, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming rural connectivity and strengthening The Gambia’s agricultural economy.

The visit forms part of the second phase of President Barrow’s ambitious infrastructure drive, which has already delivered electricity to over 90 percent of the Gambian population—a historic milestone widely regarded as one of the administration’s most significant development achievements.

Now, the government is turning its attention to rural roads, with more than 75 kilometres of feeder roads set to link farming communities to highways, hospitals, schools, and major markets.

During the latest leg of the tour across the Lower River Region (LRR) and Foni in the West Coast Region (WCR), enthusiastic residents lined the streets to greet the presidential convoy, praising what many described as long-awaited development finally reaching their doorsteps.

President Barrow laid foundation stones for several key feeder road projects that will improve accessibility and economic activity in rural communities. The roads include:

Sare Jamma – Minna: 4.5 km (LRR)

Gjonkil, Kewel, Kangmamudu – Kampassa: 4.3 km (Foni Jarol, WCR)

Wasadou, Adullay, Fass Chabai, Kangiramba Busary – Bulengant: 7.0 km (Foni Jarol, WCR)

Bondali – Jorem Bundakunda: 4.2 km (Foni Bondali)

Burambang, Bulegant, Tibat, Kankurang – Bambara: 7.5 km (Foni, WCR)

Nyentempo, Fass Chamen, Nfee, Jending, Jilahar – Bulunto: 7.2 km (Foni, WCR)

These projects form part of a broader 204.7 kilometres of feeder roads being implemented under the World Bank-supported Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV).

Government officials say the initiative will significantly improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs for farmers, and open rural communities to essential social services such as healthcare and education.

As part of the program, modern agricultural equipment is also being distributed nationwide, further empowering farmers and strengthening the country’s food production capacity.

President Barrow also inspected the Kabada Belt and Kiang West road works, another major infrastructure intervention designed to enhance mobility and stimulate economic activity across the Kiang area.

Community leaders along the tour route hailed the projects as a transformative step for rural development, noting that improved roads will allow farmers to transport their produce more efficiently while giving residents easier access to hospitals, schools, and markets.

With electricity expansion already reaching most parts of the country and road networks now extending deeper into rural communities, observers say the Barrow administration’s infrastructure push is laying the foundation for a more connected, productive, and prosperous Gambia.