While going to work the other day, I was overwhelmed by the number of people stranded on the roads struggling to get transportation. Workers go to work late, students miss their lessons, businessmen/women lose money all because they could not reach their destination on time. Considering the large number of vehicles in this country, one wonders what is responsible for this state of affairs.
Thinking of this issue critically, I came to the conclusion that the problem lies in the fact that we do not have good and enough roads. Had there been adequate road infrastructure, these traffic jams would not happen and that people would reach their destinations on time. This is of extreme importance and should be considered carefully.
When there are adequate good roads, all these people who are going to work late [which affects productivity] will be at work on time and as such, productivity will be maximised. The students will also be in school on time thus improving their learning to prepare them better for the future of our nation.
Once, while I was in London, United Kingdom, I noticed that a particular road which passes near a train station had been closed for a day. When I enquired why, I was told that municipal authorities had observed that because one had to cross the road in order to reach the bus station, a lot of time was wasted there and as such the city was losing revenue. The road was to be constructed in such a way that once one comes out of the train, one could use the tunnel and emerge inside the bus station. In this way, one’s valuable time would not be wasted nor would the vehicles stop at that place.
That, is being conscious of the value of time. If we had a way to measure and quantify the time that is lost due to lack of transportation in this country, we would be stunned at its high level. We are losing millions of dalasis every month due to this menace. We must seek a solution to this problem. One way to solve this problem is the building of a good road network which will ease the burden on the few we have. It will also give them longevity.
In this regard, provincial Gambia should not be left behind. In some regions, the roads are so bad, or nonexistent, that they find it hard to reach big towns for either trade or health facilities. We must consider them as well. In short, a good road network should be prioritised soonest.
Have a Good Day Mr President.
