By: Binta Jaiteh
Dozens of fish vendors at the Tanji main fishing landing site have raised concern over the indiscriminate dumping of rotten fish and other waste, describing the situation as unhygienic and a serious threat to public health.
The vendors stated that piles of decomposing fish waste, plastic bags, bottles, and discarded fishing nets have continued to accumulate at the landing site, creating an unsafe environment for both traders and consumers.
Speaking to The Voice Newspaper, vendor Dawda Sey described the practice as dangerous, noting that it has hurt both vendors and fishermen. He stressed that health should be a priority, calling for urgent action to address the problem.
“This is a serious concern to us, and we are appealing to the market committee to intervene immediately. The landing site should always be kept clean to ensure the fish remain healthy,” he said.
Another vendor, Yaya Ceesay, echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to respond swiftly. He warned that poor sanitation at the site could expose both vendors and consumers to diseases.
“Fish is part of our daily diet. If the environment is not clean, it will affect our health. We must protect ourselves by keeping the area clean,” he said.
Lamin Saine described waste management as a major challenge at the site, calling on both vendors and the market committee to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.
“We all depend on this place to earn a living. Keeping it clean will benefit us first and foremost,” he stressed.
Ebrima Lowe, another vendor, questioned the effectiveness of periodic clean-up exercises without enforcement, noting that people often resume dumping waste shortly after.
He recommended that the market committee play a stronger oversight role to prevent further dumping, describing the situation as alarming.
Meanwhile, Mustapha Jarju, Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Environmental Alliance, described the condition at the Tanji fishing landing site as disturbing.
He said the responsibility for cleanliness begins with those who operate at the site, particularly fish sellers who dispose of waste along the riverside.
“A lot of people depend on fish for survival. Maintaining cleanliness should start with the people working there,” he said.
Jarju called on the market committee to introduce and enforce strict regulations to discipline anyone found dumping waste at the landing site.
