By: Nyima Sillah
An environmental analyst, Mr. Momodou Senghore has blamed poor drainage system as a factor responsible for the recent water overflow in parts of the Greater Banjul Area.
Speaking with this medium on Tuesday, Mr. Senghore said the incident should not be described as flooding, but rather runoff water caused by the failure of the drainage system to handle even a short period of rain.
“I wouldn’t call it flooding. The rain didn’t even last for an hour, but the roads were already covered with water, which alone shows how weak the drainage system is,” he pointed out. “Urban areas like Banjul, Kanifing, and Brikama are most affected because their drains are old, narrow, or completely damaged. In many areas, the drains are blocked with waste or built over due to poor planning. Informal settlements don’t have any proper drainage at all,” Mr.Senghore added.
He also pointed out that the lack of a proper national drainage plan has led to uncoordinated efforts by various councils. According to him, the existing drainage systems were built based on outdated rainfall patterns and could no longer handle the current intensity of heavy rains. “The rains are now heavier and more unpredictable. Our drains were not designed for this,” he explained.
He added that the increased use of concrete in homes and road construction reduces the soil’s ability to absorb water, causing faster runoff and overflow.
To suggest a short-term solution, Mr.Senghore recommended cleaning and unblocking of drains regularly. Forming community-based flood response teams, digging temporary trenches to divert water away from homes and roads, and raising awareness on proper waste disposal.
For the long term solutions, he said, The Gambia must invest in stronger and more modern drainage systems. “We need concrete drains that are wide and deep enough, water retention ponds, and better planning using real-time data. Everything should be guided by a proper urban water management plan,” he stated.
The environmental analyst further reiterated that what happened on Saturday should not be mistaken for flooding, noting that runoff water only lasts for a short while. “People take pictures and say it’s flooding, but flooding is much worse. If we don’t fix our drainage system now, real flooding could happen soon,” he warned.