A drainage pipe in Westfield has been blocked by sands and discarded materials stopping waters from passing through.

A video seen by Gambiana showed the pipe filled with discarded materials, water cups and bottles and nylon bags. 

In another part of the urban settlement saw wreckage and opened gutters. The open gutters also raised concerns among scores of residents amid fear of consequences for pedestrians including old, women and children who are vulnerable especially during the rainy season.

The residents of the area have raised concerns and fear of destructive flooding if left unaddressed as the rains start to shower in the country.

Dozens of Gambian urban communities are prone to flooding and last year thousands of people were forced out of their houses after heavy rains. Many people were left internally displaced during 2023 rainy season.

A concerned resident of Westfield showed Gambiana the blockage. 

He said: “this is the manhole which is blocked with sands and other materials. And the blockage is inside the main pipe. This is where the water should pass through but as you can see the pipe is blocked.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba