The commemorations held at the Atlantic Beach in Banjul, attracted over 200 volunteers. City Link Ostend-Banjul partnership for sustainable city development is being funded by European Union under the 2018 Europe Aid dubbed- Authorities: Partnership for Sustainable Cities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chuks Ugha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Standard Chartered Bank, one of the partners of the initiative, explained that they’re happy to team up with the organisers in celebrating the event.
To that end, CEO Ugha disclosed that in close collaboration with the Banjul City Council, they provided the maintenance, waste bins to name a few to contribute to the development of the council.
“Throwing wastes like plastics, non-degradable materials into the ocean is not healthy, as it does not help beaches and tourism, not even promotes eco-tourism.”
Deputy Mayor of Banjul, Omar B. Touray encouragedthe youth to take ownership of the project, further thanking the European Union for the support.
“Our beach needs to be cleaned because it is everyone’s business and the cleaning of the beach is not only for Banjulians, but the whole country at large.”
Johan Scherrens, Ostend City project coordinator indicated that the clean up exercise helps people to see the trees they have planted.
The project, he added, is aimed at strengthening the Banjul City Council and its governance to implement participatory, good governance practices and to involve Banjulians to work with the councillors in bringing about positive changes in the city.
“In future, we want to create a lot of opportunities for youths in terms of training, businesses, culture, music, radio and arts.”
Among the challenges, Mr Scherrens said, is the COVID-19 pandemic which has put on hold some of their activities, but was optimistic that with time their pending works will be done.
Under the project, thousands of coconut trees were planted along the beach of Banjul and the aim is to prevent coastal erosion and to mitigate rising sea levels.
