By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Alkamba Times has learned that the Law Courts Complex in Banjul, which houses the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Cadi Appeal Court, has been without pipe-borne running water for nearly a month, significantly impacting operations within the judicial facility.
Several workers at the complex, who requested to remain anonymous, highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing water shortage, describing conditions as increasingly problematic.
Many staff members have resorted to obtaining water from the Ministry of Justice and neighboring institutions and compounds for drinking and other essential uses.
One employee expressed concern over the situation, indicating that the complex has faced a serious water crisis for over a month. As a result, staff often rely on bottled water for drinking and personal hygiene or seek water from nearby sources to meet their daily needs.
An anonymous judicial staff member expressed frustration over the ongoing situation, stating, “It has been close to two months now, and this facility is without water, and this situation is seriously affecting work. Anytime we enquire, we are informed that the matter will be addressed very soon. However, no solution has been found to address the situation.”
The staff member noted that many employees are forced to purchase bottled water for drinking and personal hygiene, which can be a financial burden, particularly for low-income workers.
“If we need water, we must go closer to the Ministry of Justice or some of the compounds,” they added.
Another staff member, who also chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that the lack of water has been brought to the attention of management, which is similarly affected by the issue.
Despite these discussions, no concrete action has been taken to resolve the matter. This ongoing shortage has also created challenges for visitors who rely on the facility’s restrooms and ablution areas.
He called on the Judiciary to help address the issue as quickly as possible in the interest of the staff and visitors alike, who all need water. He noted that an institution such as the Law Courts Complex cannot afford to function effectively without providing water.
Officials have acknowledged the water shortage at the law court complex.
The Alkamba Times has confirmed this with Judicial Secretary Abdou Conteh, who acknowledged the water shortage affecting the Law Courts Complex in Banjul.
He stated that the lack of water impacts the complex and is a broader issue affecting the entire city of Banjul.
“This is not affecting us alone; it’s affecting the whole of Banjul,” Conteh told TAT.
Meanwhile, Buba Badgie, Communication Officer for the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), was approached for comments regarding the situation. He indicated that he was unaware of the specific issues at the Law Courts Complex and declined to answer further questions posed by our reporter.
