We are fast approaching the rainy season and, expectedly, the relevant agencies have embarked upon preparations to obviate the consequences of flooding, especially in the Greater Banjul Area.
We cannot vouch for a flood-free rainy season in Banjul, Kanifing, and other parts of the country because the bad attitude towards the environment is persisting.
It is unfortunate that our attitude towards the environment leaves much to be desired.
It appears there is an overwhelming number of irresponsible persons whose habit of using gutters as garbage receptacles has led to the choking of all the gutters in KMC and other parts of the country.
Last year, many parts of the country recorded floods occasioned by residents’ irresponsible attitude towards the environment.
We shall continue to experience floods and their devastating consequences if we continue to exhibit such attitudes.
Education about the importance of keeping our environment clean and living responsibly is something we should seriously consider as a people.
We are encouraging the authorities to introduce this subject to our children in schools and at our various faith centres across the country. Without such novelty, we shall be fighting a losing battle against the irresponsible attitude of citizens.
The involvement of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, BCC, KMC, BAC, and all councils is long overdue.
The storm drain is an important facility, the abuse of which has led to disastrous consequences over the years whenever the rains commence.
Only a few people appreciate the importance of such storm drains, let alone ensure that they are free from the kind of filth that impedes the free flow of rainwater as it heads to the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the things lacking in our cities is proper control of the construction of structures along waterways.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is still not doing enough to stem this dangerous tide. The NDMA should start a major awareness exercise and now especially with the rains about to start.
Using public funds for the maintenance of filth created by us is something we should reconsider. It is unsustainable and should be stopped forthwith, given our irresponsible attitude towards the environment.
We would be saving millions of Dalasis if we prevented the choking of our main storm drains in the Greater Banjul Area.
