The road linking Yembering sub-prefecture to Mali town, spanning 40 kilometers, has turned into a significant challenge for users. Traveling this distance requires not only skillful driving but also resilience from passengers who must endure the hardships. This situation has raised great concern among transporters who are eagerly awaiting the rehabilitation of this road axis. The road's condition has become a major concern, especially during the rainy season.
Transporters who regularly use this route consider the Yembering-Mali section one of the most demanding parts of their journey. Harouna Diallo, a driver, described the difficulties faced during the rainy season, particularly between Mali center and Yembering rural commune. Diallo mentioned that traveling 40 kilometers between Mali center and Yembering can take up to three hours, whereas covering 80 kilometers from Yembering to Labé takes only two hours.
The poor road condition leads to more than just time loss; it also causes frequent vehicle breakdowns. Harouna Diallo stated that a significant portion of his earnings goes into vehicle repairs. He mentioned that after traveling from Mali center to Labé, he heads to the garage to repair his vehicle due to the road's condition. Diallo estimated that repair costs can range from 350 to 400,000 Guinean francs.
The situation arises as the Labé-Mali-Kédougou road construction project was officially launched over two years ago. However, transporters lament the slow pace of work, particularly on the Yembering-Mali section. Alpha Oumar Diallo, secretary of the transport and general mechanics union in Mali, noted that this part of the axis has been left behind in terms of progress compared to other sections.
Alpha Oumar Diallo urged the Guinean government and funders to expedite the construction of the Yembering-Mali road, as users are suffering greatly. He mentioned that in the past, transport unions, agricultural and commercial chambers, and local populations contributed to maintaining a section of the road to prevent it from being cut off.
Until the Yembering-Mali section is worked on, travelers will continue to face a particularly challenging road. For drivers, each rainy-season trip becomes an ordeal, involving extra travel hours, immobilization risks, and heavy repair expenses. The road's condition has significant economic implications for transporters and the local community.
The plight of travelers on the Yembering-Mali road highlights the need for urgent infrastructure development in the region. With the rainy season exacerbating the road's condition, stakeholders are calling for swift action to alleviate the suffering of commuters and support economic activities in the area.
Key points
- The 40km Yembering-Mali road in Guinea takes up to 3 hours to travel due to its poor condition.
- The road's state causes frequent vehicle breakdowns, with repair costs ranging from 350 to 400,000 Guinean francs.
- The construction project for the Labé-Mali-Kédougou road was launched over two years ago, but progress is slow on the Yembering-Mali section.
