The
National Assembly Member for Banjul North has renewed his call for the
relocation or proper management of the Mile 2 dumpsite situated on the
outskirts of the city of Banjul.
Ousman
Sillah speaking recently during a visit to the site, observed that the dumpsite
is not only posing serious health concerns, but also environmental related
threats.
“I
am renewing my constant call on the local government authorities to work with
the ministries of Regional Governments and the Environment to find a lasting
solution for the dumpsite situated at Mile 2 to be either relocated or be
transformed into a proper waste management and recycling site,” he said.
The
Banjul North lawmaker argued that the relocation of the dumpsite should be the
first option explored by the Banjul City Council and relevant government
ministries and agencies.
Ceesay
underscored that the relocation of the site is necessary and urgent,
considering the fact that it constantly emits smoke and other toxic elements
into the air, which he said, affects not only the environment but the patients
at the Sanatorium and inmates at the Mile Two Central Prison and other
inhabitants around the area.
The
relocation of the site, he said, is a matter that should be given top and
urgent priority as the smoke and stench that comes out from the dumpsite
compromise the health of patients at the Sanatorium.
“It
also exposes the inmates at the Mile 2 Central Prison to respiratory illnesses
and other health complications. In fact, for me standing here on the trash heap
for just few minutes is really suffocating and unbearable, much more for those
who have no options other than to stay here and live with the smoke and stench
because of hospitalization or imprisonment,” he added.
Sillah
observed that there are also some inhabitants in the outlying areas “whose
health is equally a matter of concern for me as a representative.”
He
thus suggested for an alternative approach ‘if relocation may be a challenge at
the present moment’.
“The
Council even in partnership with central government could look into instituting
a waste management system to recycle the trash for other purposes. Trash is not
waste and can be properly managed for economic activities,” he added.
He
observed that the old tyres that are burnt to extract iron for scrap could be
used for other decorative or aesthetic purposes at parks, public places, or as
guards for tree planting which he added, should now be a nationwide campaign of
its own to mitigate global warming.
He
thus promised to formally take up the matter with both the local and central
government authorities for swift consideration and action.
Augustus
Sanyang, a resident of the area, who took the NAM around the perimeter of the
dumpsite, recalled that there was a time when the Council had staff posted
there, who controlled and managed the dumpsite.
He
added that at the time there was no indiscriminate dumping of waste or burning
of old tyres to get scrap metal, which he observed, contributes to the
dangerous pollution of the environment.
Sanyang
also called on the Council to come up with a reasonable plan for the effective
management of the dumpsite, ‘if relocating it will be a challenge’.
