It is desolation among the populations bordering the rivers. After the Senegal River left its bed to sow chaos in Bakel in the communes of Balou, Diawara, Aroundou and other localities, the Gambia River began to pour its overflow into the villages which polarize it. For now, Koar and Saal are the most affected. Homes, the school, the banana plantations are under water. And the bridge which connects these villages to Gouloumbou, the only crossing point, has given way, causing the isolation of these areas. By Abdoulaye FALL –
After the scenes of desolation in Balou, Diawara, Dembancané, Aroundou and Yaféra, the Gambia River has burst its banks. It caused a lot of damage, particularly among the populations of Koar and Saal. The Koar school was not spared from the devastating fury of the waters.
“The establishment is completely flooded. The courtyard, the rooms, the surrounding areas, everything is in the water,” warns the director. Lassana Keïta says: “Even our homes are in the water. And yet, we are located more than 2 km from the river.” Which testifies to the strength of the waters.
“The establishment is today unusable,” reiterates Mr. Keïta. This is why we have asked parents to restrain their children and ensure their supervision. Because the situation is untenable. We will also report to the hierarchy on the measures adopted and the directives given. I asked my colleagues to leave housing that is leaking from all sides.”
After the school, the bridge, which connects the villages of Koar and Saal to Gouloumbou, also gave way. The collapse of this infrastructure isolates these localities. “Today, to cross,” says the school director, “you have to take canoes, the only way to cross despite the risks. I saw people getting into the canoes with their motorbikes. It’s too risky. Me, I prefer to take the detour into the bush to go out. We are going through a real struggle,” adds Mr. Keïta. Always calling on his colleagues to be vigilant and cautious.
Submerged banana plantations
The consequences of rising water levels will not only be noted on the side of the school and homes. Banana plantations are still affected. “Such a flood had not been noted since 2003. The fields, the houses, the school, the road, everything is flooded. We are really very tired.
The populations are stunned and very worried. The State is called upon to react urgently, otherwise the irreparable could happen,” notes a banana producer. The producers helplessly observe the catastrophe. “We helplessly watch the fury of the waters fall on our plantations. We watch our efforts of many months of hard work wash away with the waters. The current situation in the region deserves broad reflection. The Orsec Plan must be launched to relieve tired and disappointed populations. State aid is more than ever expected here, as in Bakel. Unfortunately, we are still dragging our feet, leaving the victims still floundering in the waters. The situation is alarming, especially since the sky has not yet closed its floodgates,” he regrets. Releases of the Manantali are still being considered. While waiting for help, people are stoically coping with their struggles. When will it end?
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