By Jankay Kujabi
The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA) has handed over waste management equipment worth nearly D30 million to the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Brikama Area Council (BAC) to improve waste collection and reduce flooding in communities along the Kotu Stream.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) in Abuko.
The donation forms part of WACA’s efforts to strengthen environmental resilience in 11 communities affected by poor waste management practices and recurring flooding.
The equipment includes 12 tricycles, 100 wheelbarrows, 200 waste bins, two tractors with hydraulic trailers, one compactor truck, two tipper trailers and two tipper trucks.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources Rohey John Manjang described waste management as one of the country’s major environmental challenges.
She said the equipment represents a significant investment towards improving waste collection systems and addressing flooding caused by indiscriminate dumping of waste.
The Minister warned that KMC and BAC would be held accountable for ensuring that the donated equipment is used strictly for waste management purposes and not diverted for other activities.
She also called for greater community involvement in protecting the environment, urging residents to stop indiscriminate dumping and support efforts to keep the Kotu Stream clean.
WACA Project Coordinator Dr. Muhammed Lamin Sanyang said the intervention was introduced following repeated concerns from communities over inadequate waste collection services.
“For the past three years, we have engaged these communities through sensitisation, awareness creation and clean-up campaigns. However, without the necessary equipment, indiscriminate dumping has continued,” he said.
Dr. Sanyang explained that the newly provided equipment would support the establishment of a sustainable waste management system while reducing the risk of flooding along the Kotu Stream.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of BAC, Chairman Yankuba Dabo described the donation as a major boost to the council’s sanitation efforts.
He assured WACA that the equipment would be properly utilized and maintained to improve public health and strengthen community resilience.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Mutarr Darboe, who represented the Minister, urged the beneficiary councils to ensure proper deployment and maintenance of the equipment.
He also encouraged residents to take ownership of their environment by using waste disposal facilities responsibly.
The WACA Project is a US$45 million World Bank-funded regional initiative implemented by MECCNAR. In The Gambia, the project is supporting the restoration and protection of an 11.2-kilometre stretch from Nema Kunku in the West Coast Region to the Atlantic coastline.
The project aims to reduce flooding, protect coastal ecosystems, safeguard lives and property, while promoting livelihood opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
It also supports environmental governance through the development of policies, legislation and institutional capacity to enhance climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
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