Wassu Stone Circles risk damage

Local authorities and guides have highlighted several pressing challenges that endanger the integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the major issues faced by the stone circles is the lack of protective fences around the area, says Mr Bunama Trawaleh, a guide at the circle.

He elaborated that “this absence of fence makes it easier for large animals to enter the territory, potentially causing damage to the historic stones”.

Additionally, he noted, the impact of climate change is visibly affecting the site, with reports of “stones melting due to extreme weather conditions”.

“The stones contain iron and aluminium and they are a meter deep in the ground therefore, the fall of heavy rain or heat can easily affect the them,” he lamented.

“When rain falls it creates crack on them and it makes them fall, also the more heat more the stone starts expanding and when cooling down they contract, and this also contributes to the fall of certain stones,” he said.

The circle has 170 stones, with 111 standing and 59 fallen ones.

He said the stones are slowly losing value if the authorities do not intervene. “We have been voicing the challenges; however, there is still no solution to this,” he voiced out.

He further appeals: “Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, conservation experts, and the local community are imperative to implementing sustainable strategies that will ensure the long-term protection and conservation of this remarkable historical site, preserving it for future generations to cherish and learn from.”

He also called for a new research to be done on the site to edit certain parts of the written documents.

He further urged for the authorities to put guides on pay roll. “We are volunteering at the circle. I am not paid and I have been here for over two years and have never been given a salary,” he said, adding: “I am passionate to preserve the historic place thus we should be in the NCAC pay role.”

The stone circles in Wassu hold great historical and cultural significance. The circles are believed to be ancient burial grounds dating back to around the 3rd century BC. They are a testament to the advanced civilization that once existed in the region and are considered important archaeological sites. 

The circles also serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of The Gambia and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The urgency to address these challenges cannot be overstated, as the preservation of the Wassu Stone Circles is not only crucial for safeguarding the tangible heritage of The Gambia but also for honouring the cultural legacy of the region.