Op-Ed: Navigating Challenges: The Daily Commute Struggles of Gunjurians | By Buba K.Touray
Background
Gunjur, a small coastal town and the provincial capital of Kombo South, is located about 40 kilometers from Greater Banjul. It is approximately an hour's drive from the commercial hub of Serekunda and 30 minutes from Brikama, the regional capital of the West Coast Region.
Commuting from Gunjur has become increasingly burdensome for many residents travelling for daily works. Without access to private or official vehicles, people are left depending on an inefficient public transport system that fails to meet their needs. Morning travel is unreliable, and evenings pose even greater challenges. Commuters are forced to endure unofficial fare hikes and the inconvenience of exchanging between multiple commercial vehicles, paying separate fares, just to reach home and work...
A brief history of commercial transport in Gunjur from the early1980s the late 1990.
Transportation in the community of Gunjur faced challenges in the 1980s due to poor road network. In those days Gunjur had fewer commercial vehicles, but the public transportation system was far more functional and reliable. The iconic G.P.T.C. "Man-Bus" provided a critical link from Gunjur to Banjul via Sanyang, Tujereng, and Sukuta. Although it required commuters to plan their trips carefully to catch the bus on time, it was known for its efficiency and comfort, offering a one-off trip daily.
It was even more reliable when the late Fa Bai Jobe introduced the renowned "Kurunto" bus, a shuttle service that became a cornerstone for residents of Gunjur and Kombo South. This efficient and reliable transport system even sparked envy from the community of Sukuta.
Other notable drivers, such as Mr. Sol Jobe, Manju Jobe, and Yus Colley with his "Supari" car, also played prominent roles during this era, bridging Gunjur with urban centers.
The gravel and red dirt roads connecting Gunjur to Serrekunda or Brikama were treacherous, riddled with dangerous ditches and sandy patches. Drivers had to be highly cautious, and passengers endured clouds of dust that left their faces, clothes, and belongings covered by the time they reached their destinations. This period showcased a mix of ingenuity and resilience, as the community made the best of limited but reliable transportation options despite the challenging road conditions. The situation improved significantly with the construction of the Kombo Coastal Road and the Gunjur-Brikama highway in the early 2000.
A Commercial vehicle plying the Highway between Gunjur and Urban areas
Commuters battling daily to get to work
Some Private vehicle owners provide lifts to struggling commuters
Despite improvements in road infrastructure, the transportation issue in Gunjur remains a persistent challenge. While the number of vehicles has increased, there’s now a severe shortage of commercial transport options. This has left regular commuters, especially those traveling from Gunjur to urban areas, dealing with unreliable and uncertain transport conditions, creating significant daily hardships.
What has evolved recently?
Initially, the lack of senior secondary schools and white-collar job opportunities forced many Gunjurians to relocate to urban centers like Sukuta, Bakau, Serekunda, and Banjul. This was driven by the need for education and employment, creating a history of outward migration from Gunjur.
However, the trend appears to be reversing due to skyrocketing rental costs in urban areas. Many Gunjurians are choosing to return home, but this comes with the significant burden of enduring challenging daily commutes to urban centers for work. These transportation difficulties have become a major trade-off for those seeking a more affordable living situation back in Gunjur
Current daily challenges for commuters from Gunjur
Despite Gunjur's proximity and strategic location, the lack of regulated transport services creates uncertainties and imposes high costs on residents. This issue is compounded by inefficiencies, such as delays caused by extended pickup and drop-off routines, and commercial vehicles prioritizing goods over passengers to maximize their earnings.
These practices not only waste valuable time for commuters but also underscore the urgent need for more streamlined, reliable, and affordable transportation solutions in the area. Addressing these challenges could significantly improve the quality of life for Gunjurians while fostering better connections between the community and urban centers.
The transportation challenges faced by Gunjurians have become a multi-faceted issue. Heavy traffic congestion compounds the difficulties for both public and private vehicle users, making even short commutes a daunting ordeal. The need to rely on multiple vehicles, often paying inflated transport fares, adds another layer of inconvenience for residents.
The issue is further exacerbated by the early closure of the Gunjur car park at Tippa Garage, leaving many commuters stranded and forced to navigate complex routes involving stops in Tanji and Sanyang. Late-night travel is particularly difficult, with limited options for direct trips to Gunjur and similar obstacles along the Westfield-to-Brikama route.
Some proposed solutions
Transportation issues have ripple effects, especially when punctuality is non-negotiable for workplaces. The article's suggestions offer creative and community-focused ideas:
Organizing a group of people working in the same area, like Kairaba Avenue, could make it feasible to hire a reliable driver for daily commutes. This arrangement could ensure a consistent and punctual service.
Exploring the possibility of shuttle express buses dedicated to workers from areas like Kombo South could address both affordability and reliability issues, especially for those traveling long distances.
Encouraging fuel cost-sharing among commuters could motivate private vehicle owners to assist regularly. Even though some already offer free rides out of goodwill, this method could ensure continuity.
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