Habib & G-L Community:
I spoke to relatives in Kaur on Sunday, 29th August, who informed me of
the drowning of up to 40 people, perhaps more, on their way to Kaur from
Niamana for a loumooh. "They were still taking out the bodies," my aunt
said to me, the day I called. This disaster has added to the trauma
visited on Kaur by the heavy rains, devastating as many as 200 houses,
rendering many homeless and injured. The trauma and anxiety wrought by
these events is likely to have an enduring negative effect on the town
and its people.
Kaur, was once a vibrant commercial center, known for its ethnic mix and
tolerance and certainly a favorite spot for budding petty traders who
hailed from Banjul and neighboring Nganda and Kaolack in Senegal. It
was also a holiday destination for youth from the Banjul area many of
whose ancestors originated there. The Summer months were particularly
exciting as students from all the major High and Secondary schools, and
Yundum College flocked to Kaur. Soccer and cricket tournaments filled
the day while wrestlers from neighboring Ballanghar, Njau and Niamana
entertained at night. One could hear the beckoning sounds of the
"gorong", the droning rhythm of the "lambe" drums and always the lulling
and sometimes undulating and piercing sound of horns in the still of
night. This was replaced in the trade season by excitement generated by
the Ground-nut mills and Ocean Liners from Germany and other European
countries. In addition, "Najib" Cinema, a major night attraction was
not only a place to watch Indian and other foreign films, but a place to
socialize with friends. Here, one could also revel in the excitement of
listening to the latest in British, American Pop or lose oneself in the
candle lit tables of petty traders who sold anything from "gerteh saaff"
(maraba)to imported cigarettes.
When last I visited Kaur in the Summer of 1996, I was visibly moved by
its social and economic deterioration. The people and monuments that
were witness to my childhood and those of many others, had either passed
on or moved to the greater Banjul area, or destroyed. Homes that were
once vibrant and breathing with activity, now stood in silent defiance
of the elements. Many however, remained unflinchingly loyal to Kaur-
daneh mayo ( the neck of the river in Fulani)a characteristic not too
uncommon in other parts of Gambia and particularly valued among
Saloum-Saloums.
As I reflect on Kaur's glory days, her deterioration and desolate
circumstances today, I can imagine how the rains once the sustainers of
life, would have further sapped many a dream. Yet, Kaur's story is the
story of many an urban town in Gambia. A town only in name, populated by
"strangers," the old and infirm, weakened by poverty and abandoned by
its son and daughters. What remains is hope and the belief in Allah that
some day with our collective blood and toil, we shall once again
rejuvenate Kaur and many other "deserted villages" in Gambia.
Abdoulaye
"Habib Ghanim, Sr" wrote:
>
> Asalaamu alaikkum
> Good morning everyone
>
> I spoke to a friend of mine in banjul who gave me an update on the
> health hazards caused by the flooding due to the heavy rainfall still
> going on.
>
> Because of the floods in some areas water wells have been contaminated
> from the overflowing latrines near them. As a result diarrhea is
> becoming a problem to many in the rural areas. I would suggest to the
> GLC or anyone who has been collecting funds to get some diarrhea
> medications sent from any money collected to send back home or ask the
> Medical and Health (BODOFEL) their advice first.
>
> I understand some women and their babies still tied on their backs
> drowned on their way to a loumooh near Kaur area. they were going with a
> boat because the transportation by roads are not yet solved .
> May Allah have mercy on their souls and send them to Jannah.Ameen.
>
> Tombong can you please update us or verify this information. ( confirm
> this or not)
> Thanks
>
> I am on my way to work
> have a nice day
> Wasalaam
>
> Habib Diab Ghanim
>
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