The minister acknowledged that local councils and the National Environment Agency (NEA) face capacity and mobility challenges in enforcing anti-littering regulations. She revealed that government has signed a contract with a waste clearing and recycling company to support collection and recycling efforts.
She also admitted that enforcement of the ban on plastic bags remains difficult, with numerous cases pending before the courts. To strengthen compliance, she announced reforms to the National Environment Management Act, which will empower more than 50 environmental enforcement officers once approved and gazetted.
Highlighting government’s efforts in biodiversity conservation, Hon. Manjang said 800 hectares of mangroves have been restored to strengthen ecosystem protection and climate resilience.
On land mining, she explained that while the Ministry of Petroleum leads the sector, the Environment Ministry acts as regulator and stakeholder. She stressed that enforcement depends on appropriate legislation, noting that a new bill has been concluded and is moving towards implementation.
Hon. Manjang concluded by emphasising that environmental protection cannot be left to government alone.
“Waste management is everyone’s responsibility because when the country is clean, it is good for the wellbeing of everyone,” she said, calling on citizens, councils, businesses and stakeholders to work together to protect The Gambia’s environment.
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