Last saturday’s historic inauguration of the landmark petroleum storage facility in the village of Mandinari marked yet another giant push in favour of The Gambia’s drive towards economic independence.

This latest stride is unique in that energy, the most demanding of commodities in today’s industrialisation contest, is at the centre of current world debate; so much for the crucial role it plays at all levels of development. This is especially reassuring given that it comes as the countdown to the deadline for the attainment of the goals envisioned in the vision 2020 blueprint rapidly approaches.

Our experience as a nation, in the past 14 years of focused hard work, has made us accustomed to the belief that we are set to achieving the goals therein. But this, as we often emphasise, must not be allowed to have us carried away. President Yahya Jammeh though is, himself, quite consistently conscious about this fact, and he never relents in highlighting it.

During his speech in Mandinari, the Gambian leader said: “...the change in our lives cannot be assured merely from creating such capital outlays. What is more sufficient and reassuring is the extent to which we wish to contribute to the growth and development through changes in out attitudes.” Two key issues are dealt with in this remark of his - avoidance of complacency and the need for attitudinal change.

This government will be remembered by history for its unique style of establishing core infrastructural facilities that serve as catalyst for development as far as beyond the frontiers of the country. We understand that the magnitude of this petroleum depot makes it matchless to what you can find in a host of countries in the sub-region, even in some petroleum-rich countries. Its advantages are enormous. In effect, the depot’s capacity in terms of magnitude and service potential demonstrates the ambitious nature of its architects.

A leap as giant as this, from a storage capacity of less than one month to six months, speaks volumes about the potential of the facility. Given the small size of the country, we can be sure of the stable and uninterruptible supply of fuel. There is also the prospect of attracting healthy investment from far afield, with more employment opportunities for Gambians.

In the face of the unhealthy fluctuation of the price of fuel and related demands, Gambians can be saved from better impacts that might result in such situations.

The President warned: “This is just a beginning ... there is more to come”. We will soon lay the foundation stone for an ultra-modern Refinery. And also soon begin the work to double the output of Brikama Power Plant from 25 to 50 megawatts.

Our heart go to all those that have one way or the other took part in this process, especially the personnel of Gampetroleum, and to His Excellency Jammeh the Builder. Our children will, in years to come say “The Second President of The Gambia set us on our way to being a developed nation”. And the First President was there to bestow his approval with a gracious smile. Simply historical. Long Live The Gambia, and Long Live its two Presidents.