Residents of Nema Sukuta in the West Coast Region are raising alarms over increasing floods, which they say are the result of poor physical planning and lack of infrastructure.
Once a dry and resilient area, the community now faces frequent flooding due to illegal construction that blocks natural waterways, particularly impacting the main drain of the Kotu stream.
Musa Samateh, a long-term resident, recalls that flooding was never an issue until two years ago when structures began to obstruct water flow. “The flooding began in 2022 and has worsened every year,” he explained, urging local authorities to intervene before more homes are submerged.
While a mini pumping machine, donated by the WACA project, has helped to alleviate some of the water issues, residents believe the core problem lies in improper urban planning. Population growth has not been matched by improvements in infrastructure, with many settling along water paths, creating a recipe for disaster.
Samateh calls on authorities, including the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and physical planning offices, to enforce stricter measures to prevent further construction in high-risk areas and avoid the need for future disaster relief.
Nyimading Sanneh, an elderly resident, has also been deeply affected. Once a successful farmer, she can no longer grow crops due to waterlogged fields. The flooding has also destroyed her home, forcing her to live in what remains of the structure.
The community remains hopeful that the WACA project will bring lasting solutions, but they urge swift action to prevent future flooding and protect their livelihoods.
