By: Momodou Justice Darboe
The National Roads Authority (NRA), National Environment Agency(NEA) and Kanifing Municipal Council(KMC) have been blamed for last week’s disruptive flooding at the busy Westfield intersection and several areas along the Kombo Sillah Drive in Serekunda.
Last Thursday, a heavy downpour caused massive disruption to vehicular traffic and inundated some roadside businesses along the highway.
The NRA, NEA and KMC have come under criticism from some road users and business owners, who felt that the clogged and untended gutters, were to blame for the flooding and its resultant traffic nightmare and loss of livelihoods.
“The gutters of Kombo Sillah Drive have all been filled with waste materials. This has made it nearly impossible for the rainwater to flow. I think KMC must extend its Mballitservices to the gutters,” roadside mechanic Biran Faal stated as he spoke to The Voice.
“I think NRA and NEA are responsible for this flood along the Kombo Sillah Drive. While it’s the responsibility of the NRA to cover the gutters with appropriate coverings, it’s the responsibility of the NEA to implement the anti-littering laws to deter the rampant dumping in gutters,” commuter Musa Corr commented in a chat with The Voice.
“The gutters are all strewn with rubbish. This does not only pose health risks but it also threatens the security of persons and property,” van driver Sambou Mamburey said.
Meanwhile, KMC has always maintained that maintenance of gutters is the responsibility of the NRA.
When contacted, the Communications Specialist of the NRA, Ya-Sainey Gaye, explained that care for the gutters was not the responsibility of the NRA but that the authority has now assumed responsibility.
She disclosed that the NRA has already contracted a company to work on the gutters.
NEA could not be reached for immediate comment.