The Gambia government has now finally secured a loan from
the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of the Trans-Gambia
Bridge, which connects both North and South of The Gambia and Senegal as well
as serves as an important transport linkage for the sub-region.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the government of the
Gambia have signed an agreement for the financing of the Multinational
TransGambia Bridge & Cross-Border Improvement Project to the tune of
US$96.20 Million equivalent to Gambian Dalasis (GMD) 2,909.80 billion.
Analyst said the bride, when completed, will help to create
free traffic flow between the northern and southern parts of the Gambia and
Senegal in order to promote free movement of persons, goods and services
between the two countries and other countries of the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS). This will bring
to fruition plans which the governments of the Gambia and Senegal have for many
years.
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| Abdou Kolley, Gambia's Finance Minister |
Abdou Kolley, the Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic
Affairs, said in a statement issued by his ministry on Monday, that the construction
of the bridge will allow free traffic flow between the northern and southern
parts of both The Gambia and Senegal.
The project will therefore reduce travel time, boost trade
and reinforce cohesion among communities which were previously isolated. It will
also facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to markets reducing
post-harvest losses and boosting socio-economic activities.
