#National News

City Link Ostend Banjul to train 120 cleansing service workers

Jul 14, 2023, 12:54 PM | Article By: Fatou Dem

In a bid to foster sustainable development and improve the overall well-being of communities, City Link Ostend Banjul recently launched a project to provide comprehensive training of cleansing service workers of the Banjul City Council (BCC).

City Link Ostend Banjul Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance waste management, safety, hygiene, and first aid practices in Banjul.

The primary objective of the project is to equip cleansing service workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage waste, ensuring a clean and healthier environment for the city residents. 

The training includes modules on occupational safety measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and basic first aid procedures.

In his remark Peter Vanslambrouck, project coordinator described training for the Cleansing Service workers as a key to sustainable development in any given country.

“Workers should be provided with medical checkups and protective gears to be able to carry out their work diligently,” he added.

Alhagie Jah from the Cleansing Staff Association also described the training as timely, saying the training programme would go a long way in helping the participants to improve the work system, collection of waste systems and also care for their health.

Mr. Jah appreciated the opportunity, while  assuring that his team will make good use of the gears provided and practice the skills and knowledge gained during the training.

Rohey Malick Lowe, mayor of Banjul City Council extended gratitude to the EU team and the Cleansing Service Workers, especially women who endeavor to make the environment clean.  “There are risks involved in such works but “you put all efforts in making sure our environment is clean,” she said.

Mayor Lowe said they are trying all means to revisit the salaries of the cleansing service workers and also doubling efforts to give them all support and proper training to help in achieving the goal of waste management.

The training program covered various aspects including waste segregation, disposal techniques, recycling methods, and sustainable practices.

Further, the project will enhance the capacity of the BCC workforce and also achieve a significant reduction in waste-related issues, such as pollution and improper waste management.

Other speakers include the CEO of BCC, Mustapha Batchilly and Malang Sambou from “Mbolo” Association.