The residents of Badioncoto and Kadiamor, two neighborhoods in Bognona, can finally breathe a sigh of relief after years of hardship and isolation. The official handover of the new river crossings by Mayor Bakary Diatta marks a turning point for these neighborhoods, which have long faced access difficulties, especially during the rainy season. The residents welcomed this initiative, which, beyond facilitating access to their neighborhoods during the upcoming rainy season, also addresses health and safety concerns.

Towards the end of the ordeal   

The accounts of the people reflect the extent of the suffering they experienced before these achievements.

Astou Sané, from Badioncoto, remembers and describes the daily anguish before the works: "No one could cross, no car could slow down... When the water really rose, our houses were flooded and we were sad."

Mountaga Coly, also from Badioncoto, recalls the fragility of the old structures, the makeshift bridges: "Every year, we would put down wood to cross... but two or three years later, the plank would break. During the rainy season, we had very serious problems actually crossing here."

In Kadiamor, Djibril Faty emphasizes the constant danger for children and the very young: "When it rains heavily, the water rises above the bridge. It was a danger for the children."

These accounts reveal a daily life marked by isolation, the risk of accidents, and the constant fear of flooding.

Health and safety issues

Beyond mobility, these bridges address a crucial issue: access to healthcare. The mayor of Bignona, Bakary Diatta, explains: “Many pregnant women had difficulty accessing health centers for childbirth. Today, with the construction of this structure, we are allowing not only pedestrians to cross, but also vehicles.”

The lack of safe bridges jeopardized public health, particularly during the rainy season when travel was virtually impossible. Now, residents can more easily reach the AMA health post and other essential infrastructure.

The makeshift bridges posed a constant threat. The mayor recalls:

"During the winter, a lot of water drains through this canal... children were sometimes dragged by the water or fell from these makeshift bridges."

With the new structures, residents can move around without fear. Children are no longer at risk of falling into the canals, and vehicles can cross safely.