China-aided highway bridge in Gambia opens to traffic

The opening ceremony of the China-aided highway bridge in the Upper River Division, Gambia, was held in Basse on Oct 19, 2021. Gambian President Adama Barrow attended and addressed the ceremony. 

On behalf of the Gambian government and people, Barrow thanked the Chinese government and people for their support and help in the country's socioeconomic development. 

It's the fast development of Gambia-China bilateral relations since the resumption of their diplomatic ties and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that led to the completion of several national key projects in the country, said Barrow.

He said the opening of the highway bridge in the Upper River Division served as a historical feat where the dream of the Gambian people was realized, and that the project was of milestone significance in Gambia’s national development plan (2018-2021). 

The project connected the "last mile" of Gambia's highway network, and will facilitate the smooth flow of personnel, supplies and services between the Upper River Division and West Africa, he said, addint that it is expected to improve people's living conditions, economic development, public service capacity, and the accessibility of healthcare and education.

He also pledged to deepen bilateral relations with China, carry out practical cooperation in trade, investment and culture on a win-win basis and closely coordinate with China on international and regional affairs. 

Part of the China-aided highway bridge project in the Upper River Division is 51-kilometer asphalt highway that connects Basse, capital of the Upper River Division, and Koina. Two major bridges, the 250-meter Basse Bridge and the 170-meter Fatoto Bridge, and two medium bridges are also part of the project.