The Ministry of Lands has been urged to take immediate action to allocate an alternative location for dumping of garbage within the Greater Banjul Area to enable the complete closure of Bakoteh dumpsite.
The call comes as a man was arrested for allegedly set the dumpsite on fire. Residents around the site continue to complaint of stench and sporadic smokes at the site.
Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda said: “I am calling directly on the Minister of Lands to take immediate action to allocate an alternative location within the Greater Banjul Area for the development of a sanitary landfill in order to enable the complete closure of Bakoteh dumpsite.”
“Waste management is not a political issue, but a national issue,” he added.
He also apologised to the residents “I would like to speak directly to the people of Bakoteh, Dippa Kunda, Manjai Kunda, and by extension those living further afar who were affected by the smoke last week. I sincerely sympathise with you and the adverse impact of the dumpsite on you and your families.”
“In May 2018, the Council was honoured to host the President of the Republic during the annual Meet the People Tour for a site visit to Bakoteh dumpsite. During this visit, His Excellency promised to establish a taskforce to relocate the dumpsite. The lack of feedback and action on this important commitment is of great concern to the Council.
“Over the past 3 years, I have written to the Minister of Lands and Regional Government appealing for action to identify an alternative site for the development of a sanitary landfill. On March 16th 2020, I requested the Minister allocate alternative land for dumping. Again, on November 2nd 2020, I warned the Minister of the Bakoteh dumpsite reaching capacity and the need to identify an alternative site,” Mayor Bensouda said.
He continued: “I am committed to finding a solution that will close Bakoteh dumpsite in the shortest possible time. The Council is constructing a 3.5 metres tall fence, in order to protect children from entering the site and being exposed to its many hazards. The fence will ensure that once the dumpsite is closed that unlawful individuals will not be able to enter or dump at the site. I encourage all concerned community members to show their support and add their voice to ensure that the Government of The Gambia treats the closure of Bakoteh dumpsite as a national issue.”