Gambia: President Barrow reviews ministry progress amidst infrastructural challenges
In a crucial meeting held at the State House in Banjul on Tuesday, President Adama Barrow< engaged with the Minister of Youths and Sport, Hon. Bakery Badjie, and his team to receive updates on the ongoing activities within the ministry.
The focus of the discussion centered on the advancements in infrastructural development aimed at empowering the youth across the nation.
The forum provided a comprehensive overview of the progress made in enhancing infrastructural facilities tailored for the youth demographic.
Key highlights included the ongoing renovation efforts at the iconic Independence Stadium and various infrastructural projects spanning from Kafuta to Bwiam, Janjanbureh to Sandu, and Farafeni Youth Center. These endeavors have been made possible through collaborative efforts with several development partners.
President Barrow, while acknowledging the completion of these projects, expressed his dismay over the prolonged delays attributed to contractual issues.
He voiced his concern regarding the performance levels of certain contractors and consultants involved in the projects, emphasizing the urgent need to address these challenges to ensure timely project delivery. “We are committed to supporting Gambians, but we must address the challenges hindering progress,” President Barrow asserted during the meeting.
Drawing from the lessons learned from these experiences, President Barrow underscored the necessity for the government to explore more effective alternatives in the procurement and management of contracts.
This call for reform aims to streamline processes and mitigate future delays, ultimately optimizing resource utilization and enhancing project outcomes.
The meeting between President Barrow and the Minister of Youths and Sport serves as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and infrastructural development.
As efforts continue to address existing challenges, stakeholders remain optimistic about the transformative impact these initiatives will have on the socio-economic landscape of The Gambia.