The construction of Basse’s two-lane highway, which is expected to take 30 months, could start before the end of 2018.

The project is widely believed to be President Adama Barrow’s largest construction project since he came to power in 2016.

According to media reports, Chinese civil engineering firm, Long Jian Road & Bridge won the bid to construct the 48-kilometre highway with two bridges.

During his second Nationwide Tour as president, Barrow said the highway will connect the entire Upper River Region and transform Basse into a major commercial hub.

The Gambian leader extolled the excellent bilateral relations between The Gambia and China.

A Chinese online media outlet revealed that the bidding process was handled by the Agency for International Economic Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Commerce.

The construction project is expected to cost more than USD70 million.