Proper drainage system essential

The issue of poor drainage in most areas in the country is often a problem, particularly during the rainy season.

The problem is worse in the capital city and environs, where many places are flooded, and with some parts of Jeshwang, for example, a no-go area during this season.

The Ministry of Works, Construction and Infrastructure should work with the National Roads Authority and local authorities to do something about the roads made impassable by pools of stagnant water, and ensure that all the drainage systems are properly functioning.

As a matter of fact, this should not only apply to the city of Banjul and environs, but in all other towns in the country, since the problem is not only limited to the capital city.

Banjul City Council and Kanifing Municipal Council, for instance, should clear all the drains of any blockages, and clean all the roads of refuse that may block the drainage system.

Meanwhile, we must sympathize with the people living in flood-prone areas, and who suffer from the effects of inadequate drainage systems in their areas.

In any case, we should not wait until our roads are impassable because of flood, but must take remedial measures by repairing the roads and creating waterways for the rainwater to drain away.

People should also desist from the habit of throwing refuse in the drains, or the sewage system as happens in Banjul, since this tends to block free flow of water through the drainage system.