Lamin Bojang, secretary of state for Works, construction and Infrastructure has said that the construction of the drainage from Westfield/ Brikama High Way is part of the Serrekunda to Mandina-ba road project contracted to CSE and not a stand-alone project.

According to him, the construction of the road including the drains suffered severe delay due to various factors. As of now, he added, the completion of the drains is held up by the relocation of underground water mains which is almost complete.

Feeder roads importance

SoS Bojang said, his department is aware of the importance of the rural feeder roads in the country. Having largely rehabilitated most of the trunk roads in the country, he said, the government through his department of state is now focusing attention on the feeder roads adding that the National Roads Authority is also in the process of developing a nationwide feeder roads programme.

When asked by Bekai Camara, NAM for Wuli East to furnish the Assembly on the current states of slabs and toilets at the Basse Ferry Terminal both of which are in serious disrepair,  SoS Bojang stated that the slipway at the Basse Ferry Terminal has already been rehabilitated and re-enforced since the beginning of February, 2008.

He highlighted his department's plans for the construction of new toilet and waiting shed facilities for the said terminal adding that the design works have already been completed and a contractor has also been identified for implementation to begin soon.

On Kusun to Barrage Kunda via Garawol road construction that has become a cause for concern and constrain to the motorist in the Upper River Region, SoS Bojang said having largely rehabilitated most of the trunk roads in the country, the government through his department of state is now focusing attention on the feeder roads.

The National Roads Authority he said, is in  the process of developing a nationwide feeder roads programme which will hopefully include the Kusun to Barrage Kunda via Garawol road in URR.

On the Basse-Fatoto-Nyamanarr road that has been a major concern to the people of Tumana, Kantora and part of Wuli East, SoS Bojang said, Basse to Fatoto road is an extension of the South Bank trunk road.

He said that the government through his department of state has already carried out a design study for this road and is in the process of securing funds for its construction. "Fatoto to Nyamanarr is a feeder road and plans are underway for developing a nationwide feeder roads programme which may include this area," concluded.