When a government inherits a disorganized society, it has a choice to use coercive means or consultative means to bring about order. It is true that since Gambia became independent no serious urban or rural planning has taken place. Land use has not been properly demarcated. Consequently, in most urban and peri-urban areas, there are roads without proper drainage, sidewalks and the proper position of public amenities.
This has pushed people in their hundreds of thousands to find means of survival anyhow they could. All the roads are congested. One cannot overnight remedy all these eyesores. One requires serious planning at the national and regional levels. Coordination is absolutely essential between central and local governments. Notice should always be given to the people prior to actions such as demolition of structures.
As it stands, the New Jeshwang area that has witnessed massive demolition is still begging for consultation. Foroyaa will continue to monitor the demolition exercise and tease out losses incurred by those whose survival rely in operating as street vendors or managing workshops.
