The management of Brikama Area Council (BAC) and the West Coast Region disaster management office on Wednesday commenced a massive clean-up of the drainage systems in Brikama ahead of this year's raining season.
The drainages in Brikama have been in deplorable condition with people themselves indiscriminately dumping wastes into them.
Drainages are necessary to our way of life but until they go wrong, we rarely think of them. When drainage goes wrong, usually because of a blockage, it can cost a lot of money to unblock or repair.
Ground movement or traffic also sometimes causes cracks in the drainage system. If these cracks are not repaired on time, contaminated water leaks into the soil, thus polluting the soil and ground water.
Moreover, it also releases foul smell that can cause trouble to the individual with unlimited chances of facing health-related troubles.
The public relations officer of the Brikama Area Council, Modou Jonga appealed for people to avoid dumping into gutters.
He reiterated the council's uncompromising stand in using the wrath of the law against anyone found wanting.
The initiative, he said, shows a genuine partnership between the two sides and expressed hope that the partnership will surely continue.
Sereign Modou Joof, West Coast Region Disaster Management Coordinator (WCR/ DMC), said the implementation of the initiative is part of his office’s strategic plan for this year.
Disasters, he noted, are not only about preparedness but also about response.
Mr Joof observed that the cleansing of the drainage system will help to reduce both the Council and his office's expenditure on disaster related issues. "We are here not only to give relief, but also to prevent disasters," Mr Joof said.
According to Mr Joof, 95 per cent of the disasters are caused by man and called on Gambians, particularly those of the West Coast region, to endeavour to keep the drainages clean and protected.
Sanna Bojang, Disaster Focal Person (DFP) for Kombo Central District, said Brikama Area Council and West Coast Region Disaster Management office decided to conduct the cleansing of the drainages because "the only way to keep water flow freely is to clean the drainage".
