Residents of the commune of Bemet Bidjini, in the Sédhiou region, organized a peaceful march on Monday, in the locality of Francounda to demand basic social infrastructure. Organized by the Rally for the Development of the Municipality of Bemet Bidjini (RDCBB), this citizen mobilization brought together hundreds of people who came to demand infrastructure deemed essential to the development of their community. The marchers demand, among others, the rehabilitation of the central road of Bemet Bidjini, built in 1984 and which is today in an advanced state of decay. “This route has become a trap for the vehicles and a nightmare for the patients”, lamented Danfa Barro, president of the RDCBB. The ambulance of the commune frequently breaks down, making the sanitary evacuations perilous, notably for pregnant women in emergency situations. Le tronçon routier Sibikouroto, Francounda et Niasséne Manding is impracticable. It is not possible to use this section of the road. Agricultural products, although abundant in the area, are difficult to reach regional markets, leading to enormous economic losses and a rise in food prices. Of the five forages installed in the commune, only two are currently functional. An alarming situation for a population estimated at several thousand inhabitants. The municipality has only two poorly equipped health posts and is constantly confronted with shortages of medicines, the demonstrators lamented, pointing out that patients have to travel several kilometres and go as far as Marsassoum to obtain medicines. “We need a health centre worthy of the name, with qualified staff and adapted equipment”, pleaded a protester. The demonstrators called on the local, regional and national authorities, as well as the leaders of the Diomaye Plan for the Casamance, to relaunch the work of the 80 kilometre long Boucle du Boudhié. “This project, if it is completed, could desenclaver le Diassing and improve the mobility of populations”, according to Ibrahima Baba Ndiaye, an inhabitant of the commune. At Bemet Bidjini, the inhabitants are demanding access to water and health care. “Since 1984, not a single kilometre of road has been asphalted. It’s time for this to change”, said Ibrahim Baba Ndiaye. With APS
Sédhiou: The inhabitants of Bemet Bidjini are calling for basic infrastructure
