By Haruna Kuyateh
Stakeholders on Tuesday organized road safety and conflict resolution sensitization meeting for community members and motorcycle riders in the Badibous held in Illiasa, Upper Badibou District.
The meeting was jointly organized by West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) North Bank Region Chapter, in collaboration with Katchang Ward Alkalolu (Village heads), the Motorcycle Riders Association and the Illiasa Police Post.
The meeting aimed to strengthen relations between commercial motorcycle riders and local communities, promote road safety and enhance mutual understanding among stakeholders.
The initiative followed concerns over tensions between commercial motorcycle riders, alkalolu and Village Development Committees arising from the digging of holes along the India–Jajari road, which affected movement in the area.
The meeting was attended by the alkalolu of Illiasa, India, Jajari, Alkali Kunda and Katchang, as well as motorcycle riders and police officers.
WANEP Focal Persons in the North Bank Region, Tamba Jammeh and Haruna Kuyateh, described community dialogue as essential for maintaining peace and resolving disputes. They urged commercial motorcycle riders to regularize their status with the Traffic Unit of the Gambia Police Force and avoid speeding when passing through communities.
Alhaji Demba Marong, Alkalo of Jajari and Paramount Alkalo of Katchang Ward, emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing community concerns.
He said excessive speeding by motorcycle riders within settlements had resulted in the death of livestock and poultry, causing losses for residents. He also called on herders to properly control their animals to prevent damage to vegetable gardens and other sources of livelihood.
Inspector Alasan Jammeh, Station Officer at Illiasa Police Post, urged motorcycle riders to comply with traffic regulations, including registration requirements, the use of number plates and the wearing of safety helmets.
He also encouraged communities to develop by-laws to enhance safety on village roads and thanked WANEP for facilitating dialogue between riders and local residents.
Inspector Jammeh said the initiative would complement police efforts to improve road safety and strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and motorcycle operators.
Sergeant Musa Trawally of the Farafenni Mobile Traffic Unit used the forum to educate participants on traffic regulations, the dangers of speeding and the importance of motorcycle registration.
He cautioned riders against overloading passengers and urged them to respect traffic rules and regulations.
Trawally also called on motorcycle operators to wear crash helmets and appropriate protective clothing at all times to reduce the risk of injury in the event of accidents.