We are
constrained to run to the subject of The Gambia’s antiquated drainage system.
It is unacceptable that more than half a century after independence, our drainage system remain in hazardous state.
It is unacceptable that more than half a century after independence, our drainage system remain in hazardous state.
It is not uncommon to see uncovered gutters in the towns and cities.
This environmental concern and subject has been editorialized on number of times without any response the relevant agencies.
Gambia has moved from the days of silence when uncovered gutters or open drainage trenches are ignored like no one’s business.
We cannot pretend that all these are the making and the responsibilities of the colonial masters after having our own blood and flesh on the saddle to run the country in accordance with our aspirations.
Today, we have advanced as a nation from the day when the Union Jack was lowered for a fluttering Gambia flag, yet the independence gutters still serving some part of Banjul remained uncovered polluting the city.
Let them consider the subject of covered gutters as a matter of priority in the development agenda as it affects the environment and our health as a people.
The eyesore which such open gutters constitute would be eliminated when they are covered and we too would be at par with universal sanitation standards.
Harboring colonial day features depicting underdevelopment, backward and haphazard drainage system should now be history.
With some efforts and additional funds for our budget, this gutters can be covered much to our relief.
Perhaps some communicable disease outbreaks can be traced to this blemish in our city management.
Covered gutters would add to our stature as a modern city or even countrywide. Until that is done, let us see ourselves as semi-modern as we seek a means of reversing the status quo.
One way by
which the plastic pollution can be managed is covering our gutters. This way
there would be no spaces for irresponsible persons to dump their plastic into.
It is only when there is no place to dump plastic wastes and other domestic used products that people can be compelled to use garbage bins.
It is only when there is no place to dump plastic wastes and other domestic used products that people can be compelled to use garbage bins.
The fight against plastic pollution requires concerted and coordinated efforts such as the aforementioned suggestion.
The amount of plastic waste dumped inside these gutters is alarming.
We cannot remain hopeless just to avoid doing something to cover our gutters.
The beautiful Banjul skyline and the beautiful sandy beaches of the coastal Gambia would be meaningless if the gutters of our capital and towns remain uncovered with their sometime unbearable stench stand shoulder to shoulder with these architectural masterpieces.
The media shall continue to remind the authorities. These are development shortcomings because from all indications, they hardly consider covered gutters as a feature of development.
Ousman A. Marong. (photo credit)
Mariama Jallow Taranga FM.
