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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Dec 2007 : 22:11:08
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AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
GOOD ROADS ARE INDISPENSABLE TO DEVELOPMENT
In his contribution to the ratification of the loan agreement between the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Development Bank amounting to US$7.705 million, a loan meant for the construction of the Westfield- Sukuta road Project, Sidia reminded his colleagues about the importance of good roads. Sidia pointed out that roads have both social and economic values and that this particular road, the West-Field-Sukuta stretch, has tremendous social value in addition to its economic values. He indicated that the stretch between Westfield-Sukuta, if reconstructed, would go a long way in minimizing the heavy burden that is now on the Westfield-Brikama highway. He said that at around 6pm upwards one gets trapped in a jam for hours, but that if the Westfield-Sukuta road is properly re-constructed, one will either have the choice to take that road or go through the Brikama highway. That is why, he noted, the reconstruction of this road is crucial to the people of Serrekunda and the whole of the area. Sidia also suggested for the need to have a new economic approach
towards road construction in this country. He opined that it is better to build a very expensive and solid road than ones that are poorly built and are not going to last long. Sidia expressed delight that the Secretary of State for Finance alluded to such a thing.
He noted that if one considers the Brikama highway, one would be surprised to discover that the bend at Old Yundum is being reconstructed. This move, he said, gives the impression that the when road was previously being constructed, the whole topography of the area was not properly studied and taken into account; that the bend of the road was slanted and that when you have an accident there, the vehicle will roll over and over. “I’m sure this is what they must have realised to see the need to re-shape it and that is why I will make reference to paragraph 5.01 article 5.”
He pointed out that article 5.01 indicates, among other things, that “to execute the project and to conduct its operational affairs through the executing agency with due diligence and efficiency in accordance with sound financial engineering and sound engineering and economic practices.” Sidia emphasised that he would
want that to be taken into serious consideration in this particular road, which he said is dear to all. He argued that he is saying this because he understood that the newly constructed stretch between Kerewan and Farafenni is being complained about already and it is not even a year old. He noted that roads are so expensive that when they are made, they should last longer, otherwise, they could not allow their SOS to always go round asking for loans to construct roads. Sidia emphasised that their fundamental objective and focus should be that this country becomes self-sufficient in order to be able to derive funds to construct roads. “That is more sustainable!” He asserted.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 147, 14 – 16 December 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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