Frustration is mounting in the bustling Serrakunda Bartez neighborhood as storekeepers, commuters, and residents voice alarm over the National Roads Authority’s (NRA) prolonged failure to cover open drainage channels. The uncovered trenches, stretching from OJ Junction through Kwame Street and surrounding areas, have been exposed since September, posing severe safety risks and disrupting daily life.
Local storekeepers bear the brunt of the inaction. Amadou Singhateh, who operates a shop along Kwame Road, described the chaos caused by heaps of sand, broken slabs, and litter piled at store entrances. “Access to our stores is nearly impossible,” Singhateh told TAT. “Customers struggle to cross over, and we’ve seen a sharp drop in business. It’s especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and visually impaired individuals who could fall into these pits without warning.”
The open channels, initially uncovered for cleaning, have transformed into hazardous obstacles. Modou Seck, another affected shop owner, questioned the NRA’s decision to remove the covers without a swift replacement plan. “These drains are now dumping grounds for garbage, undermining the whole purpose of the cleanup,” Seck said. He highlighted how leftover debris blocks pathways and endangers vulnerable groups, particularly the blind who navigate the area daily.
Residents echo these concerns, with safety for children at the forefront. One anonymous parent expressed dread over unsupervised youngsters playing near the stagnant, filthy water. “As parents, our biggest fear is a child slipping in unnoticed,” he said. He alleged that opportunistic locals and passersby have exacerbated the problem by tossing sewage, diapers, bottles, and other waste into the trenches, turning them into breeding grounds for disease and foul odors.
The situation has sparked calls for immediate intervention. “The NRA must cover these channels before someone gets seriously hurt or worse,” the resident urged, noting the threat extends to all visitors in Bartez, a vibrant commercial hub.
In response, Anthony Keita, a senior NRA officer in the planning department, confirmed the authority’s role in removing the covers. “We are currently molding new concrete slab covers for the drainage channels,” Keita stated. However, he declined to provide a completion timeline, insisting the work is ongoing. Keita distanced the NRA from littering issues, emphasizing, “We have no control over residents and commuters who throw garbage into the channels.”
Critics argue this response falls short, given the project’s two-month delay. The uncovered drains not only impede mobility but also defeat infrastructure maintenance goals, fostering unsanitary conditions in a densely populated area.
Community leaders and affected parties are urging higher authorities to pressure the NRA for accountability. As rains continue to pour, fears of flooding and accidents intensify. Without prompt action, Serrakunda Bartez risks escalating hazards that could claim lives or livelihoods.
The NRA’s silence on deadlines has only fueled discontent, leaving locals to navigate a minefield of open pits amid their daily routines. Residents vow to continue raising their voices until the channels are securely covered, restoring safety and normalcy to their neighborhood.
