President Adama Barrow has defended his government’s record on rural electrification, saying the expansion of electricity access is a reflection of his administration’s planning, expertise and commitment to national development.
Speaking during his nationwide Meet the People Tour, Barrow challenged opposition criticism that electricity projects were funded by taxpayers and should not be presented as a special achievement of his government.
He questioned why previous administrations, despite collecting taxes over several decades, had failed to deliver comparable levels of electricity access to rural communities.
Barrow attributed the progress under his leadership to what he described as a clear strategy, technical expertise and confidence in the country’s development potential. Infrastructure projects, particularly electricity, have become a major part of his argument for another term in office.
The president also defended the importance of direct engagement with communities, saying effective leadership requires an understanding of the people being governed.
Drawing on religious teachings, he argued that prophets were sent to their own communities because they understood the people and their circumstances.
His comments came during a 19-day nationwide tour that began on October 1. The programme includes public meetings, visits to development projects and the inauguration of completed facilities.
Although the annual tour is a constitutional requirement, this year’s exercise is taking place just weeks before the December 5 presidential election, providing Barrow with an opportunity to highlight his government’s record before voters.
Turning to the election, the president urged residents of Lower Niumi to support his coalition, presenting the December vote as a decision that would shape the country’s future.
He described his political alliance as a team of experienced strategists who believe in The Gambia and its rural communities.
Barrow has increasingly placed infrastructure delivery and development achievements at the centre of his appeal for another term, urging voters to assess political leaders based on their records and engagement with the public.
