Transport
infrastructure is one of the most important factors for a country’s progress.
It is no gainsaying that the availability of good road network system is
essential, as it facilitates the smooth flow of people, goods and services. In
nutshell good road infrastructure has become an essential part of daily life.
There
is no doubt that the country is witnessing rapid surge in the number of
commuters, which seems to outnumber the available cars plying on our road
daily.
However,
that should be an excuse as good road infrastructure is critical to any
meaningful development. The roads
infrastructure really need a in the country really need a critical rethink.
What
is more frustrating is during the peak of rush or closing hours, when most
commuters would face with the worst nightmares in their lives.
In The Gambia, cars became a major mode of
transportation in the country. But the issue of good road network is becoming a
concern, especially with increase number of people buying cars for private and
commercial use, thus increasing traffic congestion.
The
current problem we are facing in the country’s road network started many years
ago. From the onset, those who were involved in the initial designing road
infrastructures should have put in place long term measures, especially if
there is need for future expansion.
The
country is developing as we need a road connectivity that will meet
international standards for the safety of passengers and even socio-economic
growth.
Many
African countries were able to make significant progress in terms development,
thanks to the good road infrastructure. And if the Gambia is to make any
significant progress, there is need for complete overhaul of the country’s road
infrastructures.
The
deplorable road condition in The Gambia with potholes in some streets shows
that there is increased need for maintenance or rehabilitation of the aging
road system especially during the rainy season where mobility becomes a night
mere for many road users.
Commuters
battle high traffic conjunctions along the Banjul-Westfield-and
Brikama-highway, as well as the traffic light-Senegambia highway causing huge
traffic congestion for people and vehicle users especially during and after
working hours where commuters spend hours before reaching their destinations.
The two lane Brikama highway and Kombo coastal
road, one of the country’s busiest highways together with other road networks
needs to be upgraded to multilane roads
Interstate highway to connect major towns and villages that would have much
greater effects than the current two-lane road.
A diverging diamond interchange also called
the “double crossover diamond interchange” is an innovative strategy, designed
to guide motorists through the pathways.
It
minimizes conflict points, vehicle delay, decreased speed and reduced environmental
impact. The initiatives also ease traffic congestion and minimize accidents.
Recent
incident in the Gambia, show an increase rate in fatal car accidents in roads
across the country.
Although the Gambia has a struggling economy
that is not strong enough to undertake such ventures, the country could
approach good friends like China who have the skills, knowledge and expertise
in modern road construction to come to our aid.
It
is believed that using the latest engineering technology and techniques is
better than adding lanes. The economic benefits however, combined with improved
safety and mobility will also contribute to enhanced competitiveness and
quality of life for businesses and communities.
