The project for the construction of the Bertil Harding highway in the Greater Banjul Area is in progress. The highway is being widened to become a dual carriageway with three lanes on each side. There will also be 12 roundabouts and two flyovers.
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Islamic Development Bank, and the Government of The Gambia are said to have contributed funds for the project, which is estimated to cost $71.2 million.
Funding for the Bertil Harding highway Project
In 2022, a credit deal of $34m for the project between The Gambia, BADEA, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was authorized by the Gambian parliament. The Bertil-Harding highway widening project received US$20 million from BADEA and US$14 million from IsDB out of this total. The Design and Construction contract for the Bertil Harding highway project was given to AREZKI SA. Saud Consult, working with Gamtech, is the project’s supervision consultant.
It is anticipated that the Design and Construction Contract will be finished in 24 months. It will be divided into two stages that will last 14 and 10 months, respectively. While the Defects Notification Period would last 12 months.
The Bertil Harding highway project has been designated as one of the top priorities to finish in time for the 15th Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) Heads of State and Government Summit, which is scheduled to take place in the Gambia in 2022.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mamburay said, “After the project completion, the average travel time will drop by 40%. Additionally, it will raise road quality, which reduces the need for maintenance. By 2028, the road’s International Roughness Index (IRI) will decrease from 10 m/km to 7 m/km.
The project, according to the minister, was in line with the NDP’s strategic aims. It would decrease accidents and cut vehicle operating costs for trucks by 35%.
The expansion of the Bertil Harding highway will support other government infrastructure projects. Projects such as the 20 new highways that are currently being built across the nation.
