The bridge over the Gambia River should put an end to centuries of commercial chaos with Senegal

A new bridge spanning the Gambia River is expected to revolutionize travel and trade in the region.

The Gambia is a small parcel of land located on either side of the eponymous river, surrounded on three sides by Senegal.

The 1.9-km Senegambian Bridge (near Farafenni), located near Farafenni, connects the two halves of The Gambia and also allows the inhabitants of northern Senegal to easily reach the province of Casamance in southern Senegal .

Until now, people had to borrow an unreliable ferry or take the long journey to The Gambia. Truck drivers can spend days, and sometimes a week, in a queue waiting, which means that perishable goods may spoil.

On Monday, people took the opportunity to cross the bridge for the first time.

It should now be possible to travel from the Senegalese capital, Dakar, to Ziguinchor in Casamance in about five hours, instead of a full day or even longer.

The celebrations began when the seven-year-old border crossing was officially opened by Gambian President Adama Barrow and Senegal's President Macky Sall.

The Senegalese musician Youssou Ndour, one of the most famous stars of Africa, has produced in front of the crowd.

"I've been using this route for 15 years," said a driver at the BBC. "Today, I thank God, the obstacles we have faced over the years have finally come to an end.

"In addition, the bridge will cement relations between the two countries."

"Sometimes I [used to] spend 10 to 20 days waiting to cross the ferry, said another driver. The goods have spoiled, it is not only drivers, but also companies. "

A bridge construction project had been developed since the 1970s, but it was delayed because relations between neighbors were sometimes strained.

President Sall (second from left) thanked the African Development Bank, which contributed to the financing of the construction, and paid tribute to "the people of Gambia for the great achievements we have achieved together".

President Barrow (right) said the bridge "puts an end to centuries of transportation difficulties".

For the moment, small cars using the bridge are charged $ 5 (£ 4), trucks and other heavy vehicles will be able to pbad from July.

Words of Omar Wally, images of the AFP.