By Sainey Darboe:
Prominent human rights activist and politician, Amadou Scattred Janneh, has decried the state of inefficiency and chaos at Senegambia bridge. He added the bridge is still not fully functional despite immense media publicity.
Recalling his experience, he writes:
“The Senegalese border crossing to Farafenni was closed overnight until 7:00 a.m., resulting in a huge backlog of people and vehicles. I spent 2 hours there.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, we found dozens of heavy trucks lined up at Yellitenda-Bambatenda waiting for the ferry to start operations. It turns out that heavy trucks are not allowed to use the bridge because it isn’t fully operational yet despite the much-publicized inauguration.The bridge is also shut to all traffic for 12 hours daily (from 7 pm to 7 a.m.)”
Amadou Scattred Janneh also lamented the disorder and chaos of the crossing as well as the exploitation of young children.
“Unfortunately for me, even well after 7 a.m., no cars moved from the Farafenni side of the bridge. Apparently a “gele-gele” driver decided to halt traffic with his vehicle daring the security officers to arrest him. The standoff lasted quite a bit, and he finally allowed the scores of waiting vehicles to proceed.
Finally, I was surprised by the number of “almudous” (children sent to beg) I found on the Senegalese side of the border at such an early time of the day. These are kids who are being exploited and denied their basic rights. Senegal must end this form of child abuse and exploitation”.
“almudous” at the Senegalese/Gambia border sent to beg travellers. - Photo credit: A.S.Janneh
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