"Environmental protection is everybody's business"

Lamin Samateh, the Environmental Inspector for North Bank Region has said that environmental protection is everybody's business as the environment serves as a reservoir for healthy living.

Mr. Samateh, who was speaking to the Point during a mass clean-up exercise held at Barra in North Bank Region recently, stated that the protection and promotion of healthy environment lies in the hands of all and sundry.

The cleansing exercise, which was witnessed by our reporter, was described by many as a success, as youths, women and other stakeholders turnout in large numbers to clean-up the environment.

He noted that the National Environment Agency is a co-ordinating body that co-ordinates and provides technical support for the implementation of any environmental activities within the country. He disclosed that plans were in the offing to hold a general meeting where stakeholders will discuss and ensure proper monitoring of environmental activities.

He added that the issue of indiscriminate dumping within shoreline areas would also be taken care of. He commended the Kerewan Area Council for the valuable support rendered to them.

For his part, the Chief of Lower Niumi, Seyfo Alhagie Bakary Nana Sonko said that the environment does not belong to NEA, but the people. He noted that the NEA is here to facilitate in making the environment safe and healthy for all.

He expressed his readiness to work with the NEA to ensure that environmental protection is given top priority in all endeavours undertaken within the district.

He also called on all and sundry to work hand-in-glove with the NEA personnel within the region by reporting anyone found embarking on illegal littering or any other forms of indiscriminate dumping.