As part of its fourth meeting in the 2007 legislative year, the National Assembly on Wednesday ratified a loan Agreement amounting to US $ 7.705 million between the Islamic Development Bank and the government of the Republic of The Gambia for the reconstruction of the West Field- Sukuta road project.

The loan- which is expected to be repaid over a period of 25 years including a seven-year grace period- has a service scheme not exceeding 2.5% of the loan amount calculated on an annual basis.

Under the expert consultancy of an Egyptian company, the road is said to be in the process of being designed with the full involvement of local government authorities in a bid to improve the communities’ communication, movements and business activities.

According to the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Musa Bala Gaye, who tabled the motion before deputies, the West Field- Sukuta road project is expected to have tremendous positive impacts in the Greater Banjul Area. He stated that in its present state, most vehicles have to avoid the road by making diversions.

The components of the West Field-Sukuta road, he added, include the civil works that comprise the reconstruction of the road, drains and other facilities.
Secy Gaye noted that the project would also include relocation of existing utilities, traffic and streetlights, among other things.

“In order to ensure a proper implementation of the project, government has decided that GAMWORKS be responsible for the project implementation and day-to-day administration of the project,” Secy Gaye added.
The finance and Economic Affairs Secy described the West Field-Sukuta road as one of the most important and busiest roads in the country as it connects to the Banjul highway.

“Due to its economic and social importance, the rehabilitation of the West Field-Sukuta road is of high priority to the government,” he asserted.