The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure through National Roads Authority (NRA) in collaboration with Ministry of Youths and Sports on Thursday 7th May held a significant community sensitisation meeting in Ebo Town.
Mr Sulayman Sumareh Janneh Managing Director NRA said the objective of the discussion is to sensitize people about the upcoming underground water dewatering project which seeks to address persistent flooding issues in the area.
“Persistent underground water in Ebo Town has not only damaged roads but also affected the homes of many residents,” he stated.
Mr Janneh emphasized that the hydraulic pressure from this underground water has caused newly constructed roads to lift, prompting the NRA to seek a solution that tackles the root cause of the problem rather than relying solely on repairs.
The proposed dewatering project aims to lower and manage the water table through a scientifically designed drainage and filtration system.
This system according to MD Janneh will efficiently channel excess water to a designated collection point, ultimately mitigating flooding risks in Ebo Town.
“This initiative represents a long-term solution to an ongoing issue,” Janneh remarked. He expressed optimism that, if successful, the project could serve as a model for addressing similar underground water challenges in other regions of The Gambia.
Minister Bakary Badjie welcomed the project wholeheartedly. He noted that residents of Ebo Town have faced challenges associated with water inundation for decades during both rainy and dry seasons.
“This project will significantly enhance living conditions by reducing flooding in homes and compounds and safeguarding local infrastructure,” he added.
Yakumba Huma, Project Manager for Coastal Engineering, the firm contracted for the project, described it as a pilot initiative focused on reducing the high water table in Ebo Town.
Huma explained that the project will involve excavating ponds to collect underground water, which will then be pumped through a drainage system into nearby swamps.
Residents attending the meeting expressed their relief and appreciation for the forthcoming project. Many shared personal accounts of how the underground water issue has disrupted their lives over the years.
Coastal Engineering will execute the project under the supervision of the NRA, marking a hopeful step forward for the Ebo Town community as they address a longstanding concern.
