By: Nyima Sillah
The Banjul North representative in the national assembly has called on the Ministry of Works to find an immediate solution to Tobacco Road’s flooding problem after heavy downpours on Sunday and drizzle on Monday inundated the area.
NAM Modou Lamin B. Bah said sewage floods in Tobacco have been causing huge challenges to the residents, especially in accessing their abodes.
“Currently, the sewage system in the city of Banjul North-Tobacco Road- is not functioningbecause the entire sewage is full due to the heavy rains,” NAM Bah told The Voice in an interview on Monday.
He pointed out that the sewage system is one of the components of the Banjul Road Rehabilitation Project, adding that a sewage truck should have been bought and given to the sewage station in Banjul to be sustainably operated by NAWEC.
“Every project should have a timeline and this project should have a timeline. Why is it that the government is bragging that 98% of this project is complete when the city dwellers are still faced with such a predicament, which is unacceptable, very unfortunate, and also a devastating moment for the poor people,” said NAM Bah.
“We want to see this done immediately understanding that it is very urgent and we want a solution to our problem,” he added.
The Banjul North representative explained that if the rainwater and the sewage water blend, it might lead to contamination.
“And when the water is contaminated, it might result in a disease outbreak in Banjul North. This can cost the government thousands of taxpayer money for recovery. Why can’t we put all the mechanisms and resources in place to avert such a disaster,” he added.
Bah recalled last year’s flash flood in Banjulthat led to the displacement of families.
“We don’t want history to repeat itself. That is why I deem it necessary to bring this to the attention of the authorities, especially the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. The minister should understand that he is living in his house comfortably with his family but the people of Banjul North cannot sleep in their houses because the issue of the sewage is not yet addressed,” Bah stated.
He explained the latest sewage flood had inundated some compounds, leaving occupants in need of urgent assistance.