The National Roads Authority (NRA), through its Eastern Division regional office in Mansakonko, has commenced a major week-long drain cleaning exercise in the communities of Barra and Essau in the North Bank Region. The initiative began on Monday, 27th July 2025.

This timely intervention follows reports of stagnant water accumulating in various areas of both communities, primarily due to blocked drainage systems. The blockages have been partly attributed to the indiscriminate dumping of waste by some households into the drains.

Hon. Mitchell Mendy, Councillor for Essau Ward, expressed appreciation to the NRA for launching the cleaning campaign, emphasising its critical importance.

“Cleanliness is essential to public health, and we are pleased that the NRA, in collaboration with the Kerewan Area Council, has initiated this much-needed exercise,” she said.

The Alkali of Barra, Alagie Baboucarr Faye, also commended the NRA for their support, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents, particularly during the rainy season.

“On behalf of the Barra community, I sincerely thank the NRA for this valuable effort. After the cleaning, we plan to put in place measures to prevent further dumping of waste into the drains,” he added.

The NRA has indicated that similar drainage maintenance exercises will be extended to other communities across the North Bank Region, Central River Region, and Lower River Region in the coming weeks.