By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia Police Force, through its Press and Public Relations Unit, recently completed a nationwide tree planting exercise.
According to the police, the initiative, supported by the Department of Forestry, National Environment Agency and other local partners was geared towards mitigating the devastating effects of Climate change.
The initiative kick-started at Fatoto PIU base in URR where dozens of Climate-resilient trees were planted.
Speaking during the exercise in Fatoto, URR Governor, Honourable Samba Bah hailed the proactive policing system under the leadership of IGP Abdoulie Sanyang, noting that under Mr. Sanyang’s leadership the GPF continues to champion life-changing initiatives like this one.
“I’m honoured and proud to be associated with this noble cause, today’s ceremony is a clear indication that the GPF is not only involved in saving lives and properties but equally the livelihoods of the people.
“These trees planted here will benefit not only the police but the Gambia in general. I encourage other departments of the government to emulate the police in restoring our environment as enshrined in the famous Banjul Declaration “Gov. Bah said.
Other speakers at the Fatoto PIU include Police Chief of Operations in URR, Chief Superintendent Yerro Mballow, Regional Forest Officer in URR, Mr. Bajo, Sheikh Alkinky Sanyang of NEA, and Inspector Alieu Jamanka, deputy police Spokesman, who is spearheading the exercise.
From Fatoto, 21 trees of different species were planted at the Basse police lines, and Bakadagi police station, all in URR.
In the CRR, Bansang Police Station is befitted with 12 trees of different species, Fulabantang Police Station also got 10 plants.
At Farafenni in the NBR, various speakers extolled the IGP for the laudable initiative, others called it a ‘Heavenly and Brilliant Idea. Dozens of edible and wild trees were planted around the premises of Farafenni Police Station, where Officer Commanding, DSP Osman Sowe assured of a 100 percent survival rate for the planted trees.
He, therefore, thanked the Police High Command for coming up with this great initiative, which he assured will not go in vain. Other police stations that benefitted from the exercise include; Kuntaya Police Station, Njaba Kunda, and Ndungu Kebbeh all in NBR.