By Nelson Manneh
Heavy rain over the weekend caused serious flooding in Tallinding Koloban, Tallinding Farokono, and Churchills Town. The rain was too much for the drainage systems, which could not handle the water. As a result, many low-lying areas were flooded.
The main reason for the flooding was the heavy rainfall. The drainage systems in Tallinding are not strong enough to manage large amounts of water. Residents said that caused water to overflow and spread across streets and homes. The shape of the land in these areas makes them easy to flood during heavy rains. Poor waste management also makes things worse, as it blocks water from flowing properly.
Modou Lamin Jarju, a resident of Churchills Town, said the drainage system, especially along smaller roads, shows that urban areas in The Gambia are not ready for heavy rains. He said floods have damaged roads, buildings, and other important infrastructure in the past. Some people are forced to leave their homes, which causes housing problems and health risks. He added that floods also disturb businesses and transport, and many women who sell in local markets lose money.
Jarju said Saturday’s rain lasted only a few hours, but it was enough to flood the whole area. “The rain met me at the Highway and I walked through the streets to my house, everywhere was flooding. Waters were coming from the gutters and running through the streets,” he said.
Mrs. Maimuna Camara, who sells at the Tallinding Community Market, said that when it rains during the day, they have to close their businesses and rush home. She said people who don’t live in cement houses suffer the most, as the rain enters their homes or the water damages the structures.
“Contaminated flood water can pose health risks due to the spread of diseases,” she said. She believes the government needs to build a proper drainage system to allow water to flow from the Trans-Gambia Highway to the river. She added that most of the water that floods Tallinding comes from the highway.
Ebrima Jahateh, who lives in Tallinding Koloban, said floods will continue unless the government builds better drainage systems. “My compound flooded this past Saturday and the rain just lasted for a few hours. I wonder if it will rain for a whole day. That will be the end for me,” he said. He added that he cannot leave his house because it is the only one he owns.
He said many homes in Tallinding Koloban and Tallinding Farokono were flooded. Some were badly affected, while others were not. He said public education on flood prevention is important. Protecting forests and managing waste properly can help the ground absorb more water and reduce flooding, he added.
