By: Nyima Sillah
As the rainy season approaches, residents of Latrikunda Sabiji and Faji Kunda are appealing to the government for urgent assistance, citing recurring flooding and deteriorating living conditions.
“We’re always warned about floods before the rains, but no one helps us. The government hears us but does nothing,” said Awa Ceesay, a resident of Latrikunda Sabiji. “Heavy rains make my house unsafe. If the government can’t provide us with better housing, they should at least help us prepare for the rains and minimize flood disruptions,” she added.
Fatou Jallow of Faji Kunda echoed similar frustrations. “When it rains, it is hard to move around, and my house usually floods. Trash piles up because there is no regular collection. This makes the area smell bad,” she lamented.
Lamin Sanyang, a university student, expressed concern over access to education. “I am worried about how I will get to school when the rains start. Last year, I missed classes due to severe flooding and difficulty accessing the highway. I hope things improve this year, but I have not yet seen any signs of progress in my area.”
Ma Binta Bah, another resident of Faji Kunda, also called for more government intervention. “It is sad that our community is still ignored. Every year, many families have to relocate to safer places. Most people here cannot afford rent or the rising cost of living. The government must help with better sanitation and roads,” she said.
Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, acknowledged that flooding remains a serious issue, especially in areas built on natural drainage paths and flood zones.
He explained that the ongoing WACA Project targets specific parts of Latrikunda affected by flooding, including relocation of residents living directly on waterways. However, he noted that Faji Kunda is currently not covered under the project.
Hon. Sanyang expressed disappointment that the project’s feasibility studies did not include all flood-prone neighborhoods such as Faji Kunda and surrounding areas. He has urged project coordinators to expand coverage in future phases.
He also advised residents to avoid blocking waterways and to cooperate with neighbors to ensure natural water flow, which he said can help reduce flood risks.
“The government must implement lasting solutions,” Hon. Sanyang said. “Repeated floods continue to damage homes and disrupt lives every rainy season.”
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