A New Modern City
Imagine a New Gambia
A New Modern City where dreams are made into realities
OUR MISSION
The National Builders Party (NBP) envisions the creation of a new, meticulously planned ultra-modern city in the interior of The Gambia. This city, to be {to be named), will symbolize a new era of progress, national pride, and inclusive development. As part of the broader mission to rebalance population density, create economic opportunity inland, and establish a legacy of visionary infrastructure, the new city will be a transformative national project and the first of its kind in the country’s history.
OUR PLAN
1. Purpose and National Impact of the New City
The Greater Banjul Area, which includes Banjul and Kanifing Municipality, continues to face severe congestion, overpopulation, traffic strain, lack of urban planning and land scarcity. Meanwhile, the interior regions of the country remain underdeveloped and underpopulated, leading to a widening rural-urban divide. The New City is intended to:
- Decongest the urban core by offering a viable and attractive alternative underpinned by proper urban planning and design ideas as well as world class architecture and aesthetics.
- Promote balanced regional development and modern settlement in the interior.
- Inspire national unity, innovation, and hope, especially for younger generations.
- Serve as a hub for culture, commerce, governance, and innovation in the heart of the country.
- Strategic Location Selection
- The new city will be located along the banks of the River Gambia, ideally positioned to ensure easy river transport for goods and people.
- The new city will also connect multiple regions through planned roads, ferries, and eventually rail lines. The planning of the city will leverage fertile land and natural beauty to enhance sustainability and livability.
- The NBP government will assign an internationally renowned urban planning consultancy company to conduct land surveys and environmental impact assessments before site approval. The location will be selected to avoid disrupting critical ecosystems or displacing vulnerable populations.
3. Urban Planning and Architectural Design
To ensure international standards of design, sustainability, and smart urban planning, the NBP will contract globally renowned urban development firms and architects. These experts will be responsible for:
- Crafting a master plan for land use, transport, zoning, green space, and utilities.
- Designing climate-resilient and energy-efficient infrastructure.
- Integrating advanced digital technologies for smart-city features (e.g. smart traffic management, fiber internet, digital citizen services and proper sewer and underground water drainage systems).
- Incorporating cultural and artistic elements that reflect Gambian heritage and modern aspirations.
4. Core Features of the New City
The following components will define the foundation of the new city’s layout and purpose:
a) Modern and contemporary Infrastructure
- National performance theatre and medium for arts and science to nurture Gambian creativity and intellectual expression.
- National stadium for sports development, regional tournaments, and international events.
- TV and media broadcasting station, providing opportunities for journalism, education, and content creation.
- Museums, monuments and heritage centers to promote historical education and national pride.
b) Commercial and Mixed-Use Spaces
- A large Central Business District with banks, offices, and corporate headquarters.
- A state-of-the-art shopping center combining retail, entertainment, restaurants, and residential apartments.
- Innovation hubs and tech parks to attract startups, digital entrepreneurs, and foreign investment.
c) Family and Leisure Amenities
- Theme parks and amusement parks offering safe recreation for families and tourists.
- Children’s play parks, botanical gardens, and green zones to support wellness and mental health.
- Modern schools and universities, built to international standards, with a focus on science, engineering, and leadership.
d) Residential Communities
- Affordable, middle-income, and premium housing estates planned with zoned layouts, proper drainage, clean water access, and transport connections.
- Green and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that prioritize walkability and reduce traffic pollution.
5. Resettlement and Population Diversion Strategy
Incentives will be developed to encourage resettlement to The New City, including:
- Offering tax incentives and land leases for businesses and residents who move.
- Relocating select government departments or agencies to the new City to stimulate movement.
- Providing housing support packages for civil servants, youth, and entrepreneurs willing to relocate.
6. Symbolism and National Vision
The New City will stand as a beacon of modernity and National Pride, representing:
- A fresh beginning for Gambian urban development.
- A testament to vision-driven leadership.
A symbol of national advancement, unity, and purpose to show that progress can emerge from deliberate, well-executed planning.
Phased Implementation Plan
Construction and Implementation Plan
The New City project will be developed in phases over a 10–15 year period in an effort to allow gradual population shift and infrastructure alignment.
Phase 1 – Foundational Infrastructure (Years 1–3):
- Land preparation, river access development, roads, water and power utilities.
- Construction of government facilities and pilot residential zones.
- Launch of the first commercial center and media station.
Phase 2 – Economic and Cultural Expansion (Years 4–7):
- Construction of stadiums, theme parks, arts centers, and tech hubs.
- Launch of educational institutions and health centers.
- Initiatives to attract private developers and foreign direct investment.
Phase 3 – Full-Scale Urbanization (Years 8–15):
- Completion of planned neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial zones.
- Operational local governance structures (mayor’s office, city council, urban police).
- Full integration into the national transportation and communication grid.
IMPORTANCE
The NBP government is committed to making the development of the New City more than just an infrastructure project; it will represent a strong, bold vision for Gambia’s future..
By investing in this national flagship city, the NBP commits to reimagining what is possible for the country and setting the standard for urban planning, economic opportunity and national revival in West Africa. The New City will be the model city of tomorrow, built for every Gambian today.