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Improving connectivity in The Gambia
US$20m loan will help expand Bertil-Harding Highway
Photo: SaraFallstrom _ Shutterstock.com
Gambia’s capital Banjul has experienced significant population growth in recent years; however, the city’s road transport infrastructure remains underdeveloped, resulting in travel bottlenecks and high transport costs.
The Gambian government therefore has accorded high priority to upgrading its road network under its National Transport Policy to improve accessibility and foster competitiveness and trade.
The 22 km-long Bertil-Harding Highway is an important stretch that provides a link between Old Jeshwang and the Banjul International Airport, vital to the connectivity of the area.
The recently-signed OPEC Fund loan agreement of US$20 million will help expand and upgrade the Highway. Other co-financiers include the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Gambian government.
On completion the project will improve safety, reduce travel time and costs, and facilitate access to marketplaces, social amenities and jobs for more than 520,000 people in the Greater Banjul Area.
OPEC Fund Director-General Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “The Gambia’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism, which requires a well-functioning transport network. Increasing connectivity through more efficient transportation will support integration and trade and further promote social and economic activity for the citizens of the Greater Banjul Area.”
In addition to the present loan, the OPEC Fund’s public sector commitments to The Gambia total close to US$128 million supporting transportation, education, energy and multi-sectoral projects.