Residents of Ballangharr Kerr Jibel, a remote community in CRR North, have appealed to the government, philanthropists, and development partners to urgently address the deplorable condition of their road network, which continues to hinder movement and access to essential services.
Speaking to The Point in an exclusive interview, the Alkalo, Ass Touray, described the daily struggles villagers face due to the impassable road, particularly during the rainy season.
He explained that Ballangharr Kerr Jibel is the last Gambian village along the border with Senegal, and that vehicles often cannot reach the community when the road becomes flooded or muddy. “During emergencies, especially when a pregnant woman needs urgent medical referral, we have no option but to use horse or donkey carts, as vehicles cannot enter the village. This situation poses serious risks to our health and well-being,” the Alkalo bemoaned.
Beyond the road challenges, the village women also raised concerns about the collapse of their only community garden, which has been nonfunctional for more than two years due to a broken water pump.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Awa Satou Touray and Yassin Gome said the garden used to serve as a vital source of income and food security for the community. “We used to sell part of the harvest to pay our children’s school fees and cover other family needs, but since the water machine broke down, gardening activities have completely stopped,” they explained.
They further appealed to the authorities, philanthropists, and NGOs to help repair or replace the water system so that the garden can resume operations.
Both the village head and women leaders emphasised that restoring road access and water supply would significantly improve livelihoods and help the community sustain itself.
Read Other Articles In Headlines
Ex-Gambian Justice minister named among 100 most influential of 2020
Sep 25, 2020, 12:50 PM
