He stated that the President has entrusted their team with the crucial responsibility of confronting the persistent challenges faced by the residents of the area, ensuring that their concerns are met with urgency and action.
“The president has emphasised that the issues facing Ebou Town are of paramount importance to him, as it is his people who are directly affected. The president acknowledged that he has considerable support in this area, which drives his commitment to finding effective solutions.”
He (Barrow) has informed us that improving the road infrastructure is crucial as it will resolve about 50% of the challenges in Ebou Town. However, he also pointed out that the remaining 50% of the problem involves tackling the underground water issues that have been a persistent concern for the community.
“Be rest assured, efforts are already underway to address these critical water-related challenges,” Janneh told journalists during a visit to Ebou Town.
On Friday, top officials from the National Roads Authority (NRA), led by their chief engineer, Sulayman Janneh, conducted a thorough inspection of approximately eight kilometers of road currently under construction.
This project stretches from Westfield to Abuko, traversing through Ebou Town. The inspection was prompted by a directive from President Barrow, who emphasised not only the construction of the roads but also the necessity of effectively managing the underground water flow to prevent flooding in the surrounding areas.
Upon their arrival at the construction site, the NRA team was met by local residents, many of whom had come out to witness the developments that they had long hoped for, as previous administrations had made similar promises that ultimately went unfulfilled, leading to skepticism among the community.
The community expressed their eagerness to see tangible benefits, allowing them to live in their homes without the fear of water intrusion and the associated challenges that have plagued them in the past.
Mr. Janneh emphasised the transformative impact that the ongoing project will have on the community of Ebou Town, saying: “We are here today to assess, observe, and devise potential recommendations for addressing the persistent underground water issues that plague this area. It is a well-known fact that Ebou Town has been inundated with underground water, both during the rainy and dry seasons, leaving residents struggling to manage the excessive water accumulation in their homes.”
He maintained that the concrete road currently under construction is expected to last 30 years or more, primarily because the project adheres to high standards without compromise.
Bakary Manneh, an engineer at the National Roads Authority (NRA), emphasised the significance of the ongoing road construction project by stating: "The construction of roads is currently in progress, with my team placing a strong emphasis on safety. Our objective is not merely to beautify the infrastructure; we aim to prevent potential disasters for road users. Consequently, we are thoroughly addressing safety considerations. The integration of construction quality and safety measures is unparalleled."
Alhagie Bulli Sillah, a resident of the area since 1986, praised the government for initiating a new project aimed at addressing the persistent flooding issues in the community. He noted: "Every year, we face challenges with flooding, particularly during the rainy season. However, it’s not just the surface water that poses a problem; underground water can also significantly impact our lives."
“We have, at times, felt overlooked and forgotten. Among the most pressing issues we have faced over the years are the deteriorating road conditions that make daily life challenging. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Barrow for not only fulfilling his commitments to construct essential roads in Ebou Town but also for taking significant steps to address the pressing underground water issues that have affected our residents,” remarked Pa Modou Jobe, a resident of the area.
