By Sheriff Saidykhan
Good Road network is one of the main challenges many Gambians are facing, and lack of proper road network has compelled many drivers to continue diverting to different route this resulting in to frequent accidents on the roads.
In the run up to the Presidential election, some passengers demand good road network, saying they would only vote for candidates with clear visions to expand and build feeder roads.
Lamin Sanneh, a resident of Sukuta who plies Kombo Sillah highway said it is important for politicians to look into the issue of roads ahead of the election.
“It is important for local Government authorities or Council representatives to provide us with good and safe Roads,” he said.
He added that it is his civic duty to vote for right representatives, to provide good road network ahead of the Presidential election.
Lamin F. Fatty, a resident in Brikama said he would vote wisely in the upcoming Presidential election.
“Well, all what I will do as a citizen is to advocate and talk to the concern authorities. It is my civic duty to vote wisely” he said.
Mr. Fatty said good road infrastructures are important to the movement of people and goods.
The President of Drivers Association Omar Ceesay said the government and politicians should prioritize road expansion, and construction of feeder roads. This, he said will reduce the burden on the roads thus reduce traffic congestion.
“We have challenging issues at the road side. Because we don’t have good feeder roads, and vehicles are increasing both day and night. So the government and the local authorities need to come together and build many feeder roads” he remarked.
He said the government through the National Road Authority should provide proper maintenance of good road network.
Dawda Bah, founder of Safe Life Gambia said there is need for proper monitoring of roads.
He said his foundation has for the past years been active for its relentless advocacy campaign to ensure good roads network.
The Deputy Managing Director of National Road Authority, Isatou Cham, said she will not speak on the issue due to the NRA Act.
In her own words “Please note that I cannot send you any answers because am not entitled to do so in accordance with the NRA Act” she explained.
However, finding has revealed that there is no provision that barred her from speaking on the issue.
Since the establishment of the Act in 2003, its provisions provide excellence, integrity and accountability. Yusuf Taylor, a Civil Engineer said poor drainage facilities are among the key factors that causes bad roads.
“Poor infrastructure with lacks of drainage and or poor drainage facilities, many of the roads are not well built because they don’t have drainage and no regular maintenance,” he remarked.
He highlighted the significance of road maintenance plan. This he believes, requires proper monitoring of the weather conditions and regular inspections of the roads.
“The most important thing is to make sure that there is a road maintenance plan. This road maintenance plan will consider the weather conditions and schedule regular inspections of the road,” he added.