The Colobane-HLM road in Dakar has become a notorious route, plagued by potholes and flooding, making it a daily struggle for residents, motorists, and commuters. The road's condition has deteriorated significantly, with large puddles of water and mud covering the surface, and makeshift sandbags lining the sides to facilitate pedestrian passage. Motorcyclists navigate through the challenging terrain, carefully avoiding potholes and flooded areas.
The road's poor condition has significant consequences for the local community, with many residents expressing frustration and concern. Modou Dia, a "car rapide" driver, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that the road's condition affects not only his vehicle but also the entire transportation system. He emphasized that the problem extends beyond the Colobane-HLM axis, with many roads in the area, including those near the Massalikul Jinann mosque and Castor, in need of repair.
Local residents and business owners are vocal about their dissatisfaction with the road's condition. Mamadou Cissé, a motorcycle taxi driver, urged the government to take immediate action to repair the road, citing the difficulties faced by motorists, particularly during rainfall. Serigne Afia Mbacké, a local businessman and automobile owner, echoed similar concerns, highlighting the increased risk of accidents due to the potholes and flooding.
The poor road conditions have become a normal part of life for Dakar's residents, who have grown accustomed to navigating the challenges. However, the situation has not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Moustapha Diop, the mayor of the HLM neighborhood, acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that many roads in the area are in poor condition.
Mayor Diop attributed the problem to limited municipal resources, which hinder the local government's ability to repair and maintain the roads. He explained that the commune's budget is insufficient to undertake large-scale road rehabilitation projects, and that the responsibility for maintaining certain roads lies with the Dakar City Council.
The mayor emphasized that some roads in the area, including the main market road, are classified as state-owned and fall under the purview of the Agence de Gestion des Routes (AGEROUTE). He stressed that these roads require urgent attention, given their importance as a major transportation artery for thousands of people.
Despite the challenges, Mayor Diop expressed optimism that the situation can be improved. He noted that the HLM neighborhood is relatively well-maintained compared to other areas, with many roads having been rehabilitated through the ONAS program. He called on the state and Dakar City Council to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Colobane-HLM road and other critical infrastructure.
Key points
- The Colobane-HLM road in Dakar is in disrepair, causing daily struggles for residents and commuters due to potholes and flooding.
- Local authorities cite limited resources as a major obstacle to road rehabilitation efforts.
- The situation has sparked calls for urgent action from the state and Dakar City Council to address the issue.
