By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in collaboration with police, Gambia Revenue Authority, National Environment Agency and Fire Service have seized magnitude of fuel from illegal fuel vendors.
Illegal fuel vending is on the rise in The Gambia and the multi-stakeholder taskforce is intensifying efforts to arrests the unlawful trade.
Speaking at a press conference held in PURA Conference room after the confiscation of the fuel in Gunjur, West Coast Region, Mr. Yusupha M. Jobe said they are fully aware about some illegal activities happening in the petroleum sector which is illegal and little or no consideration is given to safety.
He stated that PURA deemed it necessary and urgent to embark on this action in other to bring sanity and safety to the society.
“We urged the public to be vigilant and active to report any case of illegal fuel vending in their communities to the Authority,” he urged the public.
He disclosed that task force has started work and they will continue enforcement activity, as fuel dealings involved many risks, especially in absence of the safety requirement.
Momodou Lamin Sompo Ceesay Director of Water, Petroleum and Energy said the multi-stakeholder taskforce team did seized about 300 litres of fuel and the team is ready to go nationwide in its enforcement activity.
Considering, the frequent fuel related incidents in the country; the Authority is ever ready with its partners to strictly enforce any illegal fuel sales
Ndenneh Nying Principal Environment Inspector at the National Environment Agency mentioned that illegal fuel vending is now at a very alarming stage thus the need for more concerted effort to arrest the situation.
“NEA will continue to collaborate with PURA to ensure that this menace is put to a stop,” Mr. Nying said.
