By: Binta Jaiteh
Restaurant owners in Kartong, located in the West Coast Region, are raising serious concerns about a nearby Chinese fish meal factory and the poor condition of local roads. They claim these issues are negatively impacting their businesses, particularly those reliant on tourism.
In an interview with The Voice Newspaper, Musa Touray, Assistant Manager at Stala Restaurant, voiced his frustration, stating that the ‘unpleasant and unhealthy’ odor from the fish meal factory is driving away tourists. “The smell is very strong, and it is not good for our health,” he said, adding that the resulting loss of customers is causing a “huge loss” for their businesses.
Touray also highlighted that poor road conditions make it difficult for customers to access the area, further contributing to their financial struggles. He urged the government to focus more on eco-tourism to boost the local economy and criticized the current tourism sector for having policies, such as airport fees, that disproportionately affect local businesses and tourists.
Another vendor, Doudou Saidy, echoed Touray’s sentiments, calling on officials from the Ministry of Environment and the government to find a ‘tangible solution’ to the problem. He explained that the odor makes breathing a challenge, particularly during the dry season when it becomes ‘unimaginably bad.’
Saidy also lamented about large trucks used to transport fish, which he said are damaging the roads. He suggested that large boats should be diverted closer to the Chinese factory, a move that would keep the environment cleaner and prevent fishermen from having to sell their catch to the factory at a low price to avoid spoilage.
He explained that this relocation would allow fishermen to transport their fish to the market for local consumption, benefiting the entire community. Saidy also noted that the presence of these large boats is hindering oyster farming, an activity that could generate significant revenue for both fishermen and the country.
Pa Amadou Sambou, Manager of Sunset Restaurant, reiterated that the poor road conditions and odor from the fish meal factory are the two main challenges facing restaurant owners. “I am appealing to the Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to help us address this issue,” he pleaded.