By: Kemo Kanyi
The Kanifing Municipal Council has launched an anti-littering ‘operation sanity’, the operation aimed to sensitize the entire municipality by enforcing the anti-littering laws through the local government By-Laws. These laws were assented to by the Mayor in June 2020.
According to Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, this operation has no connection to the ‘operation clear the roads’ by the government, adding that the [KMC] operation will not affect vendors because they are leaving on that street vending to provide for their family members.
He added that the economic condition of the nation could allow the council to consent to remove vendors from places where they earn their daily living.
“Sections 4, 7, 8, and 9 of the By-Laws mandate us to exercise the powers conferred on the Mayor under section 54 of the Local Government Act. The above section deals with nuisance, removal of sand, gravel, etc., private sewage pipe, and disposal of waste products and hazardous substances,’’ the Mayor said.
He added that the operation will look at various areas; clean and clear waste on all major highways and streets, levy charges and collect refuse generated by occupants along the highways and streets, remove all derelict vehicles and any other machinery that obstruct the highways and streets, levy charges on derelict vehicle towed before collection by owners.
“Remove and levy charges on sand and gravel owners that obstruct the highways and streets, and all derelict vehicles or machinery articles be parked at the dump site. Levy fines on any property found to connect sewage pipe to the public drains or street gutters,’’ Mayor Bensouda added.
The Mayor further highlighted that the council will charge or fine anyone found to burn any form of substance that is hazardous to humans or poses health repercussions, adding that they [KMC] control and charge any stray animal owners whose herds are found grazing in the streets, highways, squares, avenues or public places.
He informed me that the sensitization starts today on various radio stations, while the enforcement is expected to start on 29 January 2025.
He urged all residents of KM to comply with the council’s directives, revealing that anyone found wanting would pay a fine of D1,000.00 for each offence made.
