This is mainly caused by excessive rain in the area, making the river burst its banks causing flooding and disruption of services in Basse.
“Basse River flooding is not something that could be easily tackled at this juncture given the fact that it’s not a water running issue that is coming just from the area. However, this is water that is virtually emanating from somewhere else. In this case, we are suspecting that it is coming from the Futa-Jallon end,” he said.
The NRA deputy managing director made these remarks yesterday in Basse as the minister of Works currently tours road project site countrywide.
The Basse River floods have caused havoc in the area, affecting inhabitants of the area, including business and transportation. The floods have also affected staff of the Medical Research Council the Gambia (MRCG) whose office is located in the area.
Speaking further, Janneh said: “There is something that could be done. However, at this juncture, you have to allow the water to resist so that we can do more studies, assess the situation and we can make recommendations as to what can be done effectively with a view to avert the re-occurrence in the future.”
“This is not something that happens all the time and we haven't had significant rains in the area for the past three weeks.”
“Therefore, we can prepare ourselves and I will advise the minister and among other stakeholders to make preparations that could be sustainable in the future with a view to avert such a situation from happening. It has to be something comprehensive. It’s not something that you could just come and dig a ditch and think you can virtually avert the situation. This has to be comprehensive engineering,” he postulated.
On the issues of the on-going road construction across the country, the NRA deputy MD said: “As an implementing agency, what we always do among others is to ensure that roads that are under construction in the country are up to standards. So what you show me addressing the consultants and the contractors is something that is concerning to me so that they can address it effectively.”
