Major bridge linking Gambia to Senegal ushers in new era of connectivity

Cars, trucks and pedestrians plied the new bridge linking the Gambia and Senegal, ushering in a new era of connectivity and integration for the two West African nations.

The bridge is a safer, quicker, and alternative route to the risky ferry crossing or the long detour between the northern and southern parts of both nations. The five-story masterpiece allows people from the north of Senegal rapidly and easily to reach the southern Senegalese province of Casamance.

The construction of the bridge (942 m long), along with two border posts, completes the first phase of the road project which has cost $93.68 million. The project is almost entirely financed by the African Development Bank Group through a grant of $88.4 million to Gambia, and a $4.4 million loan to the Government of Senegal.

The bridge, which spans the Gambia River, will enable free traffic flow between the northern and southern parts of both The Gambia and Senegal and is expected to reduce travel time, boost trade and unite communities that were previously isolated.

Before the construction of the bridge, travelers had to wait hours or even days for a ferry, leading to huge losses of perishable goods and market produce. The border posts will reduce customs formalities time at the borders, thus enhancing the potential for increased trade and business.

The project is consistent with the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Paper for West Africa and its Integrate Africa High 5 priority.

Original source: AfDB
Published on 25 January 2019