By Fatou Krubally
Poor road conditions in the North Bank Region are increasing transport fares, delaying travel and disrupting trade, National Assembly Member for Central Badibou, Sulayman Saho, has warned.
Speaking during Thursday’s Matter of the Day debate on the state of roads in The Gambia, with particular focus on the North Bank Region, Saho said communities across Niumi, Jokadou, Baddibu, Sanjal and other northern areas were struggling with deteriorating roads and slow maintenance works.
He said the road linking Njamagen and Kuntaya was among routes making movement increasingly difficult for residents and businesses.
According to Saho, poor road surfaces, potholes, erosion, flooding and dust have made travelling more dangerous and expensive, particularly during the rainy season.
He said delays were affecting trade and communication while forcing travellers to spend more on transportation.
The lawmaker also highlighted the Barra-Kerewan corridor and connecting feeder roads, saying they required urgent attention because of their importance to communities travelling to markets, schools, health facilities and government services.
Saho said the consequences extended beyond inconvenience, noting that farmers risked losing income when they were unable to transport produce to markets on time, while traders faced increased transportation costs.
He added that pregnant women and other patients could encounter difficulties reaching health facilities, while children could arrive late at school or miss classes because of poor road conditions.
The lawmaker said the road situation should therefore be treated not only as an infrastructure challenge but also as an economic, social and public safety concern.
While acknowledging government investment in road infrastructure, Saho cautioned that road construction without an effective maintenance system would not provide a lasting solution.
He called for a national road maintenance strategy with clear priorities, timelines and adequate resources to preserve existing infrastructure.
Saho further urged the authorities to assess and rehabilitate deteriorated roads in the North Bank Region, prioritising the Barra-Kerewan corridor and feeder roads linking rural communities to markets.
He also called for improved drainage and flood-control measures in areas vulnerable to erosion and flooding, as well as greater accountability from contractors responsible for road works.
The lawmaker urged the government to keep the public informed about roads prioritised for rehabilitation, expected commencement dates and completion timelines.
“The people of North Bank are not asking for a favour. They are asking for a fair share of national development,” he said.
Saho maintained that reliable roads were essential for connecting communities, supporting trade and agriculture, improving access to essential services and reducing the burden on travellers.
His call comes as communities across the region continue to grapple with deteriorating road conditions, with concerns that further rainfall could worsen the situation.