By: Momodou Gagigo
The National Road Authority (NRA) has commenced construction of speed bumps in Wellingaraba, a village long plagued by road safety concerns, following persistent community advocacy. The initiative, spurred by the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl in a GTSC bus accident, aims to curb speeding and prevent further loss of life.
The village, gripped by grief and frustration over recurring accidents, had repeatedly appealed to the NRA for traffic calming measures. The community’s pleas have now been answered, with the NRA prioritizing the installation of speed bumps to enhance safety. Village Alkalo Babucarr Baldeh and Village Development Committee Chairman Yero Baldeh expressed gratitude, commending the NRA’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
Strategically placed speed bumps are being constructed to meet rigorous safety standards while ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow. The NRA has pledged to monitor their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed to maximize safety benefits. “This is a significant step toward protecting our community,” said Yero Baldeh. “We’re hopeful these measures will save lives.”
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve road infrastructure across The Gambia. Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Defence and Security, emphasized the need for robust legislative support to bolster road safety. “We cannot afford to keep losing innocent lives on our roads,” Njie declared. He highlighted plans to increase penalties for traffic violations, introduce digitized spot fines, and enforce stricter vehicle and driver compliance checks.
Njie also called for comprehensive road and vehicle inspections to address issues like underage driving, questionable driver’s license issuance, and prolonged roadside parking. “The NRA must ensure road conditions that contribute to accidents are promptly addressed,” he urged, underscoring the need for proactive measures to prevent further tragedies.
The Wellingaraba community, while optimistic, remains vigilant, eager to ensure the speed bumps are installed correctly and function as intended. Residents expect the measures to significantly reduce speeding, creating safer roads for pedestrians, especially children, and improving the overall quality of life.
The NRA’s swift response demonstrates a growing commitment to community-driven road safety initiatives. As construction progresses, Wellingaraba’s residents are hopeful that the speed bumps will mark a turning point, preventing future accidents and honoring the memory of those lost. The authority’s ongoing collaboration with local leaders and the National Assembly signals a broader push to make Gambia’s roads safer for all.
