Considering that majority of the population relies on on-site sanitation, PURA and partners said FSM was a crucial component for achieving the National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals related to water, sanitation and hygiene.
Dr. Njogou L Bah, director general of PURA in his remarks at the inception workshop said that the proper handling and disposal of faecal waste are paramount to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment and fostering sustainable development.
He added that the management of faecal sludge is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations and the community at large.
“We demonstrate our commitment to finding innovative solutions and establishing robust regulatory frameworks that will guide and govern faecal sludge management practices in The Gambia,” DG Bah said.
He pointed out that they aim to identify key challenges, explore best practices and lay the foundation for comprehensive regulations that would promote, safeguard and ensure sustainable faecal sludge management across the country.
He noted that developing a regulatory framework would bring sewage transporters under functional oversight and mitigate the risks associated with current practices as well as professionalise the sub-sector.
Representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Buba Manjang, director of Public Health Service at the Ministry of Health said that by regulating the sanitary tanker trucks, they could mitigate the risk associated with improper handling and disposal of waste and reduce the prevalence of water borne diseases and other public health concerns.
