By Sainabou Sambou
Ousman Sanyang, Managing Director of National Road Authority (NRA) has raised concerns over high rate of road accidents on the newly constructed Bertil Harding Highway. He calls on drivers, pedestrians and riders to use the road safely saying that road safety is a collective responsibility.
The NRA boss was speaking to the media in a press conference last week, with the aim to sensitise drivers and all road users on road safety, in particular, while driving along the new Bertil Harding Highway. The Bertil Harding Highway is under construction, even though some sections of the road have been opened for traffic usage. There has been some accidents since the road was open, mainly caused by reckless driving.
“We have one of the poorest records on road safety and accident in the world and this needs to be improved; but it starts with awareness and education,” he stated.
He noted that this the first time Gambia is having this kind of road and that their main concern is that people do not understand how to use the roundabouts.
Mr Sanyang announced that they will make a major campaign by showing on screen how to use the roundabout.
Lamin King Colley, Commissioner, Mobile Traffic Unit said that they have recorded 112 accidents in their data on the newly constructed Bertil Harding Highway, which involves 15 fatalities. He reported that overall 148 road accidents were recorded for 2023.
He pointed out the need for people to come together and fight against road accidents, lamenting that The Gambia ranked 8th position in the world when it comes to road accident.
Omar Ceesay, President of The Gambia Transport Union also remarked: “Let’s come together and stop the blame games. Let us try and change our behavior; the way we are driving on our roads and the way we are using our mobile phones on the roads is a contributing factor of road accidents.
He observed that people are good at discussing politics on their platforms but not so much about important issues like road accidents.
“We are committed as a union to work with all the sectors including NRA to make sure our roads are safe,” the Trasnport Union President assured.