By Arret Jatta
The Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) in Partnership with the Ministry of Health, Thursday held a one-day workshop on Regulation of Faecal Sludge in The Gambia and developing a regulatory framework for sewage transportation.
The Director General of PURA Mr Njogu Bah said managing faecal sludge is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and the community at large.
“By coming together today, ( MoH, MoLG, NA, UNICEF, WHO, PURA, NEA, NAWEC, Ministry of Water Resources, Gambia Standards Bureau, Municipals and Area Councils, Sanitary Tanker Trucks Association, etc.), we demonstrate our commitment to finding innovative solutions and establishing robust regulatory frameworks that will guide and govern faecalsludge management practices in The Gambia”, he assured.
He added that through this inception workshop, they aim to identify key challenges, explore best practices, and lay the foundation for comprehensive regulations that will promote safe and sustainable faecal sludge management across the country.
Therefore, “I urge all participants to actively engage in discussions, share insights and experiences, and work collaboratively towards our common goal of improving sanitation standards and protecting public health,” he admonished the participants.
The representative from the Ministry of Health, Dr BubaManjang who delivered a speech on behalf of the Ministry said,the regulation of sanitary tanker trucks is a critical component of their overall efforts to promote public health and environmental sustainability.
“These trucks play a vital role in transporting human waste and other hazardous materials, and it is imperative that they operate in a safe and responsible manner”, he added.
He also said that while they have made significant progress in improving sanitation infrastructure and practices in The Gambia, “there is still much work to be done. The regulation of sanitary tanker trucks is a key step towards ensuring that waste management is carried out in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable manner”.
He further said that his ministry is committed to working closely with all stakeholders and partners to develop comprehensive and effective regulations for sanitary tanker trucks.