By Nelson Manneh
In anticipation of above-normal rainfall for the 2025 rainy season, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and its partners conducted an inspection tour of the newly constructed OIC roads on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, following numerous complaints from residents regarding flooding issues in the area.
During the tour, officials encountered stagnant rainwater that had accumulated in several locations due to ineffective water channels along key routes, including Lot 2 OIC’s 50km urban flood-prone areas, as well as P6- Kololi Tavern – Bijilo – Brufut road, P20- Kombo Coastal Road (Zion Welding W/Shop – Wullingkama Car road), P9- Sukuta – Wullingkama – Brufut – Ghana Town road, and P7- Touba Sanchaba Road – Kerr Serign – Sukuta Camping road.
Residents expressed their frustration over the rainfall settling in areas that had previously remained unaffected prior to the road construction. Local shop owner Mariatou Camara from Bijilo shared her concern: “Before the construction of this road, I did not experience any stagnant water in front of my shop. However, after a few downpours this year, I have seen pools of water everywhere, and if no immediate solution is taken to divert the water into the gutters, it can enter my shop.”
Mr. Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, the Acting Managing Director of the NRA, who joined the inspection tour, acknowledged the reports of flooding attributed to the newly built roads. He emphasised the importance of addressing the residents’ concerns promptly.
During the visit, Janneh noted the need for urgent action in certain locations while recognising that others would require a more thorough review of their structural designs. “We build roads to enhance lives and ensure that people enjoy their living conditions, not to leave them vulnerable to floodwaters,” he stated. He highlighted the broader issue of inadequate drainage systems in the Gambia, which hinders effective water management after heavy rainfall.
Janneh assured residents that they are working on both immediate fixes and long-term solutions to prevent future flooding. He mentioned that some challenges could be rectified quickly, as the contractors were present during the inspection. “In some of the areas visited, the roads need to be expanded. We need to engage with the communities to explain that our goal is not to encroach on their properties but to provide a lasting solution to the flooding issue. In some instances, we may need to acquire land for water retention,” he explained.
Additionally, Janneh urged contractors to promptly cover any open drainage systems, reaffirming that the NRA’s role extends beyond road construction to ensuring the safety of the public.
Mr. Joseph Raymond Sandy, the contractor for Lot Two of the OIC roads project, acknowledged the ongoing issues with drainage systems, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach. “The most pressing issue we are facing now is the drainage systems on some of these roads. We are currently collaborating with authorities to develop effective solutions that will address these challenges once and for all,” he said.
As the rainy season approaches, residents and authorities alike hope for swift action to mitigate flooding and enhance the safety and functionality of the newly constructed OIC roads.
