By Olimatou Coker
Construction works on the much talked about Organization of Islamic Cooperation road projects will commence in March next year, according to the chief executive officer of the OIC Gambia Yankuba Dibba.
Dibba made this disclosure during a tour to the OIC Conference projects by the National Assembly Select Committee responsible for government projects, OIC officials and journalists.
The tour started with a visit to some of the OIC targeted roads namely, the Sukuta-Wullingkama- Ghana Town, and the Kololi Tavern-Bijilo –Brufut road.
Mr Dibba informed the team that the new roads are classified from P1 – P20 plus the Bertill Harding Highway, which “is a separate budget of its own measuring 22km from Sting Corner to Yundum.”
“The 20 roads altogether are 50km and are being funded by Saudi Arabia Foundation to the tune of 50 million dollars. We have already got the money and implementation has started with the design. All our projects are designed in a way that they are joint ventures between outsiders and local partners,” he said.
“The OIC is on track despite the delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will try as much as possible to ensure that we complete all the necessary work ahead of the conference,” he said.
The OIC Gambia CEO assured lawmakers of his office’s continuous collaboration as they are committed to deliver a successful conference in 2022.
Ebrima Colley, the OIC Project Manager said: “These roads will be the same as the roads on the main highways, street lights and drainage.
“We are building standard roads that are going to last for a long period of time. We will continue to push the contractors, the consultants in order to ensure that all the things are put in place to make sure that our targets are met,” Colley said.
