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By: Alieu Jallow
HELP-Gambia, a well-known registered Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the Gambia with local and international-based volunteers has vowed to address indiscriminate waste dumping to eliminate trash to 75% by 2025. This goal has been backed by their “Trash Free” project, Operation 500 volunteers, a project now held in four regions across the country with Farafenni been the latest beneficiary.
Joining scores of volunteers during cleansing exercise on Saturday 31 July 2021 was the Executive Director of National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sanna Dahaba who underlines the need for collaboration to address the risk of severe floods which is as a result of lack of proper waste management.
Mr. Dahaba stress the need for enforcement and compliance of the anti littering laws which he indicates is a big challenge to the government of the day is facing. Dahaba was quick to call for a multi stakeholders engagement in order for compliance of laws that would yield dividend in ensuring it’s effectiveness which will go a long way in addressing the environmental challenge that government faced.
Dahaba extol “HELP GAMBIA” for initiating the trash free project and as well intensifying engagement by making the best use of young people as Frontline service providers. He assured his institution’s support in addressing climate change hazards.
On his part Dawda Cham Project Coordinator “HELP GAMBIA “said they were inspired by the impact of one of their activity held in Kanifing Municipality to implement the project to other parts of the region thus decentralizing the project in metropolitan towns across the country.
He indicated that the concept is not about cleaning but it entails a component of advocacy and sensitizing as there is a greater need for attitudinal change which will maintain sustainability.
Cham call on stakeholders and government agencies to come to their support in terms of funding and tools that will expedite their efficiency and quality work delivery. He expresses gratitude to Chaku Bantang Diaspora Network, Kerewan Area Council, NDMA, National Youth Council, volunteers and all who contributed towards the success of the event.
Mass Chatty a Gambian – UK resident said they are investing their remittances to their community back home in order to prevent them from environmental hazards but implore on the community to Police the implementation in order to intercept people who dump at illegal site.
Mass urge the local government to be at the forefront as it is their responsibility to ensure a clean community as tax payers to the council of which a certain percentage should be invested to the community.
The trash free project is aimed at addressing the quandary of indiscriminate waste dumping and the lack of proper waste management which pose serious environmental pollution and public health concerns within major towns in the Gambia.
Having held this project activity in four regions across the country, how much is government willing to invest geared towards supporting ‘HELP GAMBIA’ as they continue to implement the project in other regions that are yet to benefit from?