Traffic
jam in urban Gambia is becoming a growing nightmare to commuters, who travel
long distances to and from work on daily basis. Commuters could attest to the
worsening traffic situation especially during rush hours.
The
issue has been compounded by the negative attitude of some selfish drivers, who
normally charge multiple-fares instead of one. For example- some drivers instead of charging to Brikama straight,
would charge Banjul to West Field, Latri
Kunda, Tabakoto and Lamin, Farato and then to Brikama. Under normal
circumstances, these non-ending stops should be charged as one-way. This act by
some drivers is appalling considering the monthly wages of Gambian civil
servants.
Again,
The Gambia needs enough feeder roads and major routes linking major towns to
make easy flow of traffic. For example, there should be additional major roads
linking Sting Corner and Tabakoto/ Abuko or there about. Another one should be
created to complement the coastal road intersection, which is also becoming a
busy route especially closing hours.
It is a clear fact, any major expansion also
comes with its corresponding costs and the Gambia’s road infrastructure is not
an exception. But unless and until a major expansion is carried out, commuters
in The Gambia would continue to encounter daily traffic jams. Could you imagine
if one leaves his or her work place only to return home at night- when in some
cases your children are fast asleep.
It
is high time government and concerned government agencies put in mechanisms to
find a permanent solution to this traffic jam, which has already been pestering
commuters for years.
The
issue is further compounded by the condition of our roads. The narrow nature of
roads which have been the same in terms of length and width, the number of
vehicles has increased exponentially over the years with private cars occupying
a significant chunk of the road space.
Then
we have assorted vehicles of various shapes plying the same road which
ultimately slows down traffic significantly. Traffic Police should also enforce
traffic rules with many vehicle drivers getting away with major traffic
violations.
A
major offence is the practice of commercial vehicles stopping randomly at spots
that are not designated stops but convenient to pick up passengers. Sometimes,
this major traffic violation goes on under the noses of the traffic police and
causes acute disruptions in the traffic flow. Unless these factors are
addressed first, the country would continue to have traffic jams in major
cities resulting in long queues and unnecessary delays. But more importantly,
designated bus stops at vantage points on the routes should be mapped out to
ensure free flow of traffic. It is high time government and concern agencies
try to find alternative roads to fix the country’s traffic jams
“
A traffic jam is a collision between free enterprise and socialism. Free
enterprise produces automobiles faster than socialism can build roads and road
capacity..”
Andrew
Joseph Galambos
