It is evident that the availability of a good road network in any country is an essential ingredient for national development, as it facilitates the smooth movement of people, goods and services.
We have always stressed that while there are many actions of what is real in life, perhaps the most revealing gauge is tracked in terms of time and priority.
The rainy season is almost here, which is a time the state of our roads becomes a matter of major concern and, in fact, a topical issue in many corners of the country.
And during this period, many of the roads become impassable because of their deplorable condition.
Thus, every year we convey the news of distress being experienced by the general public as a result of the poor state of roads in most parts of the country, not only within the Greater Banjul Area, but also in most parts of the rural areas.
We commend, however, the government and their partners for rehabilitating some of the major roads, especially the Westfield-Sukuta highway.
This road, no doubt, continues to ease the movement of goods and services during the rainy season - a time when the road conditions in the Kombos become a problem.
We would equally want to bring to the attention of the concerned authorities to the fact that there are other roads that require immediate consideration, as many roads are still in a poor condition; thus the need to do something about them.
One such very bad road is the very important detour linking Kairaba Avenue to the Cooperative car park, which is used by taxis plying the Cooperative-Traffic Lights-Sabena Junction- Bakau route.
It is common knowledge that, during rainy season, you go to certain areas, and find too many potholes or too much stagnant water.
It is imperative to note that efficient and safe movement of freight and people over our national highway network is very significant.
To make our roads user-friendly, we need to rehabilitate them and keep proper maintenance, as we cannot live comfortably without a good road network.
We all know how messy our roads can be in the rains - even roads that are motorable are flooded and suddenly become impassable.
We once again renew our push that area councils should act now that the rainy season is almost here, by upgrading major feeder roads for the convenience of the people.
During the rainy season, many people going to work have to walk in the rain, and many through deep waters and mud.
We reiterate that every effort should be employed in putting our roads in a good state, with all possible haste.
“Do me a favour during the rainy season, and I shall do the same for you during the dry season.”
African Proverb
