It must be quite worrying for those who witnessed the 60’s and 70s when Banjul had the reputation of been the ‘Cleanest City’ in the West African region. ‘Health is gold’ and ‘Caring for The Environment is Caring for Ourselves’ were slogans proudly acclaimed by Gambians Now, we ask what went wrong? We are concerned with indiscriminate and heaping of uncollected garbage and trash. The old saying is relevant: ‘if you don’t know where you are going return to where came from’. What used to prevail?
Environmental Health used to be a significant activity for the Department of Health. Young and enthusiastic Health Inspectors worked under the supervision of committed and experienced Health Superintendents. The uniformed health personnel had visibility and profound respect within the communities. The work environment enabled them to work closely with other specialized heath units including the logistics sector. They were interrelated and gave specialist support to the entire department. Health Inspectors were properly trained, certified and empowered to enforce the Gambia Public Health Act.
Banjul is an island prone to flooding and characterized by rising sea levels. Stagnant water in homes, gutters and the immediate surroundings were favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Communicable diseases particularly malaria, gastrointestinal and airborne infections largely guided the activities of Health Inspectors, At a lower level the Health Inspectors were assisted by ‘Guides’ and ‘Mosquito Scouts’. It is to be noted that prevailing diseases, health hazards and their control measures determined the routine activities of the Health Inspector. There were daily compound inspections aiming at the detection of health hazards and abating nuisances of public health. The Inspector was competent to conduct Health Education, Fresh Food Shop Inspection and Drainage Inspection, Malaria Control Measures and Recreational Swimming Pool Inspection
The supervisors were quite vigilant to avoid malingering and unprofessional attitudes. The staff exhibited moral dignity, ethics and patriotism. These, together with a cohesive bond amongst officers in the various units (including the logistic and support staff), maintaining good social relationship, uplifted and maintained a high standard of sanitation in Banjul ‘Demba’. For the Gambia Our Homeland.
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