The Gambian government with funds worth US$65mn from the Africa Development Bank has commenced the construction of the Trans-Gambia Bridge project
The Ministry of Transport in Gambia said in a statement that the project contract has been awarded to JV Corsan Corvian of Spain and Arezki of Senegal.
The 942-metre bridge will connect the South Bank Division and North Bank Division of Gambia. Once complete, the bridge is expected to enhance trade and easy movement between the two regions, added the statement.
Ousman Badjie, infrastructure minister, said the Trans-Gambia Bridge project is a significant development in country’s history.
"The bridge is the single biggest project ever that the government of Gambia is starting. The long-term aspiration of the government of Gambia is to achieve a solid infrastructural base for industrial development in the country," Badjie said.
Lamin Camara, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of Gambia, said, “There is no doubt that the construction of the bridge will open up trade between Gambia, Senegal and the rest of the world. This will translate into improving the current accounts balance of the economy and ultimately the balance of payments," Camara said.
