By: Dawda M. Jallow
The poor sanitation conditions at some of the country’s major markets have come under renewed scrutiny after the Ministers of Environment and Gender conducted a daylong inspection tour of markets across the Greater Banjul Area on Saturday.
Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang and Gender, Women and Children’s Welfare Minister Fatou Kinteh, accompanied by officials of the National Environment Agency (NEA), visited markets in Serrekunda, Latrikunda, along the Coastal Road and in Brikama.
At the markets, the delegation observed accumulated waste, filth and unpleasant odours, with vendors continuing their daily activities in the midst of the poor conditions.
Some vendors expressed frustration with their respective local councils, saying they pay daily duties, rates and other fees but continue to face poor waste management.
During the inspection in Serrekunda and Latrikunda, a Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) waste collection truck was seen clearing accumulated waste at Sandika and the Latrikunda Market dumping ground.
Speaking to journalists, Minister Manjang said she was devastated and saddened by what she saw, while acknowledging concerns over the failure of local councils to adequately maintain the markets despite collecting revenues from vendors.
She said the government would engage the councils to develop a practical plan to address the sanitation challenges.
The Environment Minister also warned that poor sanitation in markets could pose a public health risk, particularly because a significant portion of the food consumed by the public is sourced from these markets.
Minister Kinteh described the situation as unfair to market vendors, saying the conditions affect both their livelihoods and public health.
The two ministers rejected suggestions that the inspection was politically motivated ahead of the 2026 presidential election. They said the exercise followed an instruction from President Adama Barrow to assess the sanitation situation and develop practical solutions.
Meanwhile, vendors called for a stronger and more consistent waste collection system. They also appealed for the return of a percentage of rates collected to help support the maintenance and cleanliness of their markets.
The ministers’ inspection has brought renewed attention to the long-running sanitation challenges facing some of the country’s busiest trading centres, with vendors now calling for lasting solutions rather than temporary clean-up exercises.