Over 200 families were affected by last week’s torrential rains – being the heaviest in decades. The victims from Banjul North are now being sheltered at St Augustine’s Senior Secondary School.
The Red Cross has warned that the stagnant water across Banjul at the moment could lead to a waterborne disease outbreak if no action is taken.
Speaking to Isatou Nyang, a flood victim, she said the president paid them a visit on Monday without stepping down from his vehicle to commiserate with them.
“When he came for the visit, he stayed in his vehicle waving at us. We are not asking him to build houses for us or even provide anything for us; all we wanted was for him to walk to us to show that he cares about us. That alone can give us ease and peace of mind because he is our leader,” she said.
Sajor Conteh, also a victim, said the president has turned his back on them when they needed him the most.
“I am not going to say Banjulians put him in office, but we have contributed immensely; and now that we need him the most, he has turned his back on us. We are not even asking for much. All we want is for him to show solidarity with us.”
One Maimuna Gassama also said they are desperate for assistance, especially from the government.
“Judging from the way Barrow paid a visit to us, it is disheartening. All we need right now are people that will comfort us.”
“Imagine if this comfort comes from him, the president, this can give us ease and hope, but right now we are hopeless,” she said.
Hon. Modou Lamin Bah, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul North, said if plans and mechanisms are not put in place to get rid of the stagnant water, it could result in disease outbreak.
He made a clarion call for authorities and philanthropists to come forward and render support to the victims. Right now everyone living around Banjul is prone to disease because some flooded areas are already contaminated.
Ebrima Ceesay, branch officer for Banjul Red Cross Center said his team with the help of the MP for Banjul North and the Mayoress have provided mattresses, mosquito nets, three square meals each day and a hall at St Augustine’s Senior Secondary School.
He said this would help protect them from infections or illness.
He added that the focus should be shifted from providing future solutions to addressing the situation at hand for now.
The flood victims thanked the Banjul Red Cross Society, MP for Banjul North, and the mayoress of Banjul for their immense support.
