BARROW’S 19-DAY NATIONAL TOUR ENDS WITH A MESSAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, UNITY AND PROGRESS
October 21, 2026
Beginning on 1 October, the tour covered 21 general meetings, 24 project-site visits and seven inauguration or handing-over ceremonies, highlighting investments in healthcare, education, water, roads, electricity, agriculture and women’s economic empowerment.
Development Across Sectors
The tour highlighted progress in healthcare, education and water infrastructure. In Brikama Ba, President Barrow inaugurated an operating theatre, utility facilities and staff accommodation. At Bansang Hospital, he reviewed improved emergency services, a CT scanner and an oxygen plant. The Ministry of Health also received six containers of essential medicines and medical supplies.
Education projects included 12 new classrooms at Boro Kanda Kasse Lower Basic School, the completed Salagi Senior Secondary School and the Madina Lamin Kanteh Multipurpose USET Campus. The first students at the campus were promised full government scholarships.
Water investments included a 750-cubic-metre elevated storage tank in Brikama and a US$736,700 project expected to benefit more than 15,000 residents.
Together, these projects reflected the administration’s focus on expanding access to essential services while directing development beyond the capital and major urban centres.
Roads, Electricity and Women’s Empowerment
Transport and energy infrastructure formed another major part of the tour. President Barrow inspected the 27-kilometre Sutukoba–Chamoi Bunda Road, reported to be 50 percent complete, as well as road projects linking Busumbala, Old Yundum, Farato and Bafuloto.
In the Central River Region, he announced that contracts had been awarded for the final phase of electrification in communities still without power. The announcement reinforced the government’s stated aim of extending basic infrastructure to underserved areas.
Women’s economic empowerment was also prominent. In Sandu Jakaba, the President presented D2.6 million to a women’s group and announced an additional D50 million for women’s economic activities, bringing the stated overall commitment to D100 million.
Supporting Gambian Enterprise
The President also visited Gambian-owned businesses, including ARIM and SoFax Furniture in Jabang, Lotus Industries in Jambur and Baby Binta’s diaper factory in Banjulunding.
These visits underscored the contribution of local manufacturing, entrepreneurship and private investment to job creation and economic growth. They also highlighted the importance of supporting Gambian businesses as part of the country’s broader development strategy.
A Political Finale in Banjul
The tour ended with a large gathering at the Never Again Memorial Arch in Banjul. APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbye Faal addressed the event and defended his support for President Barrow, citing the administration’s development achievements and progress on reforms.
The closing ceremony therefore served two purposes: it reviewed the government’s programmes across the country and demonstrated the political support surrounding the President’s national agenda.
One National Vision
Across 19 days, the tour showcased completed facilities, ongoing projects and new commitments—from hospitals and classrooms to roads, water systems, electricity connections and women’s economic initiatives.
While significant work remains, the tour reinforced President Barrow’s message that development must reach every region, district and community.
The Meet the People Tour has ended, but the work of building a more connected, productive and prosperous Gambia continues.
One Gambia. One People. One Barrow.
