Mr. President, Banjul occupies a unique place in our nation. Built on a low-lying island between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Gambia, it remains highly vulnerable to coastal erosion, flooding and rising sea levels. Its beaches, dunes and coastal sediments are not simply deposits of sand; they form part of the city’s natural defence system. Disturbing that fragile balance without sound scientific assessment could have long-term consequences for people, infrastructure and the environment.
Across the world, uncontrolled sand mining has become a serious environmental concern. The removal of coastal sand can accelerate shoreline erosion, weaken natural barriers against storm surges, damage marine ecosystems and increase the risk of flooding. At a time when The Gambia is investing in climate adaptation and coastal resilience, any activity that could undermine those efforts deserves careful scrutiny.
The concerns expressed by Mayor Lowe therefore require transparent answers. Was the extraction authorised? Which institution granted approval? Was a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment conducted? Were the Banjul City Council, the National Environment Agency and relevant coastal engineering experts consulted? Most importantly, what safeguards exist to ensure that the country’s most vulnerable coastline is not compromised?
These are reasonable questions that deserve factual and timely responses.
This is not about assigning blame before all the facts are known. It is about ensuring that decisions affecting Banjul are guided by science, accountability and the national interest. Public confidence is strengthened when government agencies communicate openly on matters that directly affect citizens and the environment.
Mr. President, this issue presents an opportunity for decisive leadership. An independent technical assessment should be commissioned to determine the extent of any sand extraction, evaluate its environmental implications and establish whether all legal and regulatory requirements have been met. If deficiencies are identified, appropriate corrective measures should follow without delay.
Beyond the immediate issue, The Gambia would benefit from a comprehensive national policy on sustainable sand resource management. Such a framework should clearly define protected coastal zones, regulate extraction activities, strengthen monitoring and enforcement, and encourage environmentally responsible alternatives for the construction sector.
Future generations will judge today’s leaders not only by the infrastructure they build but also by the natural heritage they preserve. Banjul’s coastline is a national asset that supports our environment, tourism, fisheries and resilience against climate change.
Mr. President, the warning sounded by Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe should be viewed as a call for vigilance rather than confrontation. Protecting our coastline is a shared national responsibility.
Banjul is our capital and the gateway to The Gambia. Its shoreline is part of our national inheritance. Let us safeguard it with wisdom, transparency and sound environmental stewardship before preventable damage becomes irreversible.
Good Day!