The environmental situation of the Kanifing Municipal area is becoming worrisome. The
authorities in council and in government circles are not vigilant and visionary in decongesting
the municipality. Yet, KMC is host to state functions, some government institutions, backbone of
the tourism industry and commercial capital of the country. Sadly, overtime, the KMC has
become the dumping ground for second hand goods, derelict vehicles, abandoned trucks,
cornerside food vendors, auto workshops, electrical workshops, donkey carts, sales of imported
second hand vehicles, venue for animal roaming, bad roads, illegal waste dumping sites, and
other hazardous activities. This is environmental degradation and health risks to the population.
The KMC should be a decent city because of its national importance and international status.
One wonders why the OIC Secretariat, NEA, Ministry of Environment, the Police, Works and
Infrastructure Ministry, GRA, Interior Ministry, KMC Management, are all closing their eyes to
this environmental concern. Are they waiting for Presidential action to address the situation?
Interestingly, the officials of these ministries and institutions travel overseas and have seen how
other countries have organized their citizens to live in safe, healthy and beautiful cities and
municipalities. It is shameful that they come back home to live in a congested and unhealthy
environment.
KMC is the eye of The Gambia and that all stakeholders mentioned here should together with
local government and land, meet to rebuild the image of KMC. It is a patriotic duty, it is a
functional duty, it is a development imperative.
