Flooding and difficult access: Residents of Darou Thioub and several housing estates raise alarm

The Local Development Committee bringing together the Oasis, Port, Ancar, Solution and Air France housing estates and the village of Darou Thioubou has raised the alarm over the difficulties residents face during the rainy season. In a statement issued following a press briefing, it cited both the isolation of these areas and the persistent threat of flooding.

According to the committee, every rainfall makes access to the neighbourhoods significantly more difficult. The situation is notably linked to the condition of the only bypass road, where work has not been fully completed.

A road announced as available

The organisation nevertheless welcomed the steps taken by the authorities following discussions with the director-general of Promovilles. These measures were expected to make the bypass road available from Sunday.

For the residents concerned, however, this development does not address the urgent issue of rainwater runoff.

Water drainage called into question

The committee said water from the Kounoune area naturally flows towards the Oasis and Air France housing estates before reaching Lac Rose. It claims that earthworks carried out by a property developer may have altered this natural course.

According to the committee, the change would prevent water from being directed towards the planned retention basins. It would then spill into neighbouring areas, exposing residents to flooding.

Families reportedly left their homes

The statement said some families had to temporarily leave their homes and take refuge in schools, in conditions described as precarious.

The committee called on the relevant authorities to intervene quickly to restore the drainage system and provide lasting protection for residents. It also said it remains available to support initiatives benefiting the housing estates and localities concerned.

The statement was signed by Moussa Sow, Oasis housing estate delegate and coordinator of the Local Development Committee.