HEADS TO ROLL AT BCC, AND KMC-JAMMEH

JAMMEH “SHOCKED” BY  BANJUL’S BAD SANITATION

Surprise Visit Ends With Shock, And Outrage!!!

JAMMEH GAVE ULTIMATUM TO CITY OFFICIALS

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba, Banjul

President Yahya Jammeh yesterday made a surprising visit to the Capital City Banjul, and the Kanifing Municipality, but was the least impressed by the environmental sanitation in the two localities. Mr. Jammeh was greeted by an appalling drainage system in both the KMC, and Banjul—which apparently angered the touring President.

Jammeh has given an ultimatum to Mayor Samba Faal, and KMC’s Yankuba Colley to fix the problem of poor drainage, and bad environmental sanitation in these localities, if they want to keep their jobs. The Gambian leader said his administration would not tolerate such deplorable sanitation, which poses a great risk to the health being of Gambians.

He says the preservation of the environment, and good sanitation is high on his Government’s agenda. Mr. Jammeh said local government authorities must endeavor to keep their respective cities and municipalities clean at all times. He observed that there cannot be good health in the absence of good sanitation, as he strongly deplored the environmental mess in Banjul, and KMC.

During his tour of the City Banjul, and KMC, President Jammeh saw piles of waste materials in the streets. He was displeased with the situation, and therefore instructed the relevant authorities in the said localities to put their house in order to avoid being consumed by Hurricane Kanilai.  

While not mincing his feelings about the sad state of affairs, Mr. Jammeh said Banjul being the Capital City of The Gambia,  it should have proper drainage system, and good environmental sanitation that would facilitate the smooth running of water and waste management.

Mr. Jammeh also wants to see the timely collection, and disposal of waste materials in Banjul, and within the KMC environment.  This he said,  would go a long way in advancing the health of Gambians—most importantly women, and children.

Poor sanitation contributes to the spread of the killer disease malaria in The Gambia, which kills approximately over four thousand people yearly. Mosquitoes often breed in stagnant waters. 

At KMC, President Jammeh was also saddened by what he saw. He was the least impressed by the sanitary conditions in that overpopulated locality.  He told his audience that his administration would not condone such poor sanitation. The President believed that the leaders of the said communities are exposing its citizens into great health risk—given the fact that bad sanitation contributes to environmental pollutant related diseases.

Accompanied by service chiefs, cabinet members, and top government functionaries, Mr. Jammeh retreated to his State House villa with heavy heart. The President appeared outraged, and disappointed, as he openly grumbled over the lack of environmental care in the area.

Meanwhile, fear gripped Banjul City Council, and KMC officials. It is not clear what is going to be the President’s next line of action. But there are fears that some heads might roll in days to come.

President Jammeh has been emphasizing about the need for environmental protection, and preservation.  That is one of the reasons, why  he initiated the monthly community cleansing exercise—known as “setsetal” here.

Speaking to our reporter, some BCC, and KMC officials attributed the problem of bad drainage, and sanitary system to lack of enough equipment to dispose waste in the said areas. The officials who wished not to be named said the majority of theirs vehicles had been grounded due to mechanical problems. They also talked about lack of enough budget to meet the sanitary needs of their respective localities.

“ How can we clean the streets when there is no enough vehicles? There is also budgetary constraints facing these municipalities. I think someone needs to tell the President the truth. We do not make much money to pursue such big developmental projects. The Councils are indebted to NAWEC, GAMTEL, and other vendors as we speak. We are thinking about how to pay salaries in months to come,” said an official of the BCC.

According to the official, there is low staff morale at both the BCC, and the KMC. He said some of the cleansing services workers are grossly underpaid.

“These people are entitled to salary increment, but as the situation appears, they are the least paid workers here. I think the President should investigate the problem before apportioning blame. The councils are almost bankrupt. We cannot meet the growing demand for services,” said the official.