The Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA) in Gambia, Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, has expressed concerns over activities threatening the country's road infrastructure. Speaking at the MansaKunda Ministerial Town Hall Meeting, Janneh highlighted the need for stronger enforcement measures to protect public infrastructure and prevent activities that undermine development efforts. He cited vehicle garages and dismantling businesses operating along roadsides and at corner junctions as a major concern.
Janneh noted that these activities constitute illegal encroachment on public spaces, obstruct roads, and compromise road infrastructure. The NRA boss also raised concerns over the transportation of sand, particularly the use of overloaded and uncovered trucks, which contribute to road damage and leave sand deposits along major highways. This has resulted in significant damage to the country's roads and infrastructure.
The NRA is taking steps to address the problem of sand transportation. Janneh indicated that police checks are being conducted at various locations to address the issue. The NRA will begin imposing charges on offenders as part of efforts to enforce compliance and protect road infrastructure. This move aims to deter individuals and businesses from engaging in activities that damage the country's roads.
In addition to addressing sand transportation, the NRA is undertaking daily cleaning exercises to remove sand deposited along affected roads. This effort aims to improve road safety and maintain cleaner road networks. The authority is working to mitigate the impact of these activities on the country's infrastructure and ensure that roads remain safe for users.
Another issue highlighted during the town hall meeting was the recurring destruction of electricity poles and electricity transformers. This continues to affect electricity supply and threaten infrastructure along roads in some communities. The public was urged to cooperate with the relevant authorities by protecting public infrastructure and reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate institutions.
Janneh underscored the need for greater public cooperation and stronger enforcement to safeguard national infrastructure. He emphasized that investments in roads and other public facilities must be protected. The NRA boss called on the public to report any suspicious activities that could compromise the country's infrastructure.
The issue of road infrastructure damage is a significant concern in Gambia. The country's development efforts are being undermined by activities such as illegal roadside garages and sand trucks. The NRA's efforts to address these issues aim to protect the country's infrastructure and ensure that roads remain safe for users.
Key points
- The NRA will begin imposing charges on offenders who engage in activities that damage the country's roads.
- The authority is undertaking daily cleaning exercises to remove sand deposited along affected roads.
- The public was urged to cooperate with the relevant authorities by protecting public infrastructure and reporting suspicious activities.
