By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Salifu Jawo, the National Assembly Member for Jokadu, has voiced his frustration over the poor road conditions in his constituency. He said that the roads are in a state of disrepair and are causing a lot of inconvenience to the people.
“Honorable Speaker, Jokadu, at the moment, when it comes to the road network, we are really desperate. I was here since 2017, and I have talked about the bad road conditions in Jokadu in so many gatherings. I talked about these roads in adjournment debates; I wrote questions about these roads; I went to the NRA on several occasions, and they (NRA) have gone there for several surveys; I went to the Ministry, but up to now nothing has been done about these roads,” Hon. Jawo said.
He said that the people in his constituency are still suffering because the roads, which were built in 1985, have been completely washed away. He added that there are some communities in the constituency that have been inaccessible since the start of the rainy season.
“My people told me that they are not taking this thing lightly with this government. Because if you could remember, Jokadu is among the two constituencies where this NPP government tested their powers when it comes to elections, and then they won. People have been talking about these roads and nothing has been done. So what they told me is that this year the slogan in Jokadu is “no road, no budget,” and by extension, come 2026, “no road, no vote,” Hon. Jawo expressed.
Honorable Jawo stated that Jokadu has consistently voted for the incumbent government, and they are now requesting roads because they are also citizens of The Gambia.
“Because the roads in Jokadu at this juncture, if you go to Jokadu and you see them (roads), you will wonder why these people are supporting the government, and is so disheartening,” he stated.
Hon. Jawo made these remarks at the National Assembly during the adjournment debate of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature.