From Promise to Delay: The Story of Gambia’s Ambitious Highway Project

President Barrow and Transport Minister Sillah © State House of The Gambia

By Edward Francis Dalliah

Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in economic growth, urban mobility, and national progress. One of The Gambia’s most ambitious road projects, the Bertil Harding Highway expansion, was envisioned to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and modernise the country’s transportation network. However, delays and unmet expectations have raised concerns among citizens and stakeholders.

During a Mansa Kunda Town Hall engagement on 31st May 2024, Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MoTWI), Hon. Ebrima Sillah, assured the public that Phase III of the Bertil Harding Highway project would begin before the end of 2024. But did this expectation materialise?

This article examines the government’s commitments, project funding, and actual progress to determine whether Minister Sillah's statement was fulfilled.

OIC Highway Sign © State House of The Gambia

Background: The Bertil Harding Highway Project

The Bertil Harding Highway spans from Sting Corner to Airport Junction in Yundum and serves as a vital transport corridor for commuters, businesses, and international travellers. Originally a two-lane highway, it struggled to accommodate The Gambia’s growing population and rising number of vehicles, leading to severe congestion—especially during rush hours.

Recognising the urgent need for improvement, President Adama Barrow, upon assuming office in 2016, prioritised road infrastructure as part of his National Development Plan (2018–2021). Initially, the goal was to expand the highway into a four-lane road to address worsening traffic conditions in the Greater Banjul Metropolitan Area.

However, with support from international financial institutions—including the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)—the government secured a $34 million loan to fund a more extensive upgrade. The expansion resulted in a six-lane dual carriageway, featuring:

✅ Three lanes per side
✅ Three overpass bridges
✅ Six strategically placed roundabouts

While this upgrade significantly improved traffic flow, certain critical elements remained incomplete, leading to the necessity of Phase III.

Bertil Harding Highway © State House of The Gambia

Minister Sillah’s Commitment to Phase III

During the May 2024 Town Hall engagement, Minister Ebrima Sillah addressed ongoing road construction works nationwide, including the Bertil Harding Highway project. He specifically stated that:

“Phase III of the [Bertil Harding Highway] project, which will include service roads on either side of the highway and pedestrian crossings as well as pedestrian bridges, is expected to start before the end of the year.”

What Was Promised in Phase III?

According to the minister, Phase III would introduce additional infrastructure enhancements, including;

• Service roads on both sides of the highway to facilitate local access,

• Pedestrian crossings and pedestrian bridges to enhance road safety,

• A new overpass bridge at the Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Light,

• Improved access to the Independence Stadium, and

• Installation of CCTV cameras to enhance traffic management and security.

This announcement raised public expectations that the government would swiftly implement Phase III to complete the project and enhance road usability.

Funding Secured, But No Progress in 2024

To finance Phase III, the government successfully secured a $40 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on 14th October 2024.

This funding was expected to fast-track construction and allow work to begin before the end of 2024, in line with Minister Sillah’s commitment.

However, by the close of 2024, no visible progress had been made. Despite securing funds, no construction activities or groundbreaking ceremonies took place.

Delayed Contract Signing in 2025

Further scrutiny revealed that no contracts had been signed in 2024 to initiate construction. Instead, on 15th January 2025, the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure announced via a Facebook post that it had finally signed a contract to begin work on Phase III.

The post stated:

“The Ministry has signed a contract to begin the widening of the 22km Bertil Harding Highway Road Project Phase III.”

Notably, the contract was signed on Tuesday, 14th January 2025—two weeks after the deadline set by the Minister’s original statement.

This raises critical questions:

• Why did the project face delays despite securing funding months earlier?

• What caused the gap between the Minister’s announcement and the actual contract signing?

• Were there administrative bottlenecks or logistical challenges?

President Barrow and Transport Minister Sillah © State House of The Gambia

Verdict: Promise Not Fulfilled

After carefully analysing the timeline of events, it is clear that Minister Sillah’s statement—that Phase III would begin before the end of 2024—was not fulfilled.

Although funding was secured in October 2024, the contract was only signed in January 2025, meaning that no physical work commenced within the promised timeframe.

Key Findings:

❌ Minister Sillah assured the public that Phase III would start in 2024.
❌ Despite securing $40 million from the IsDB, no work began in 2024.
❌ The contract for Phase III was only signed in January 2025.

Why This Matters

Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of national progress, and transparency in project implementation timelines is crucial for public trust.

Delays in critical infrastructure projects can lead to:

• Increased costs due to inflation and contract adjustments

• Prolonged traffic congestion and safety risks for pedestrians and motorists

• Public frustration and loss of confidence in government commitments

What’s Next?

With the contract now signed, the focus shifts to ensuring that Phase III progresses without further delays. The government must:

• Provide clear timelines for project implementation

• Enhance transparency on funding allocation and expenditure

• Regularly update the public on the project’s progress

Only through effective execution and accountability can The Gambia realise the full benefits of the Bertil Harding Highway expansion.

Final Thoughts

While the government has made significant strides in upgrading the Bertil Harding Highway, the failure to meet the 2024 Phase III commencement deadline highlights persistent challenges in project planning and execution.

As citizens continue to rely on promised infrastructure improvements, it remains essential for government officials to uphold transparency, avoid unrealistic deadlines, and prioritise timely delivery of projects.

🔹 Verdict: Expectation Not Fulfilled.

Bertil Harding Highway © State House of The Gambia