Military Personnel Clean Bakau New Town Gutters

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Omar Wally

28 July 2011

At least 150 members of the Gambia Armed Forces ( GAF) from the Fajara Barracks, recently embarked on a cleaning exercise around the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The exercise was aimed at cleaning the gutters in the area to prevent stagnant waters.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Pa Karamo Manneh of the Fajara Barracks, said: “[Since] the country belongs to us, we should all contribute our quota towards its development”.

He went on to say that the duty of the army is not only to safeguard the nation, but also to create a healthy living environment for Gambians. According to RSM Manneh, the residents of Bakau Farokono and New Town encounter a lot of difficulties during the rainy season due to the dirty water in the gutters.

He observed that water from the gutters sometimes run into people’s houses, thereby posing health risks and destroying their properties. Manneh added that the weekly exercise, which started a month ago, was also aimed at combating malaria; that it will help destroy the breeding places of mosquitoes.

He however called on the residents of the area to join them in the exercise, as it will benefit everyone and thanked his men for their efforts. Staff Sergeant Samba Kebbeh of GAF noted that soldiers are expected to render services to their communities and that the community should always contact their commanding officers when in need of help, which is always given with joy. “In the armed forces, we believe in leadership by example,” he explained.

For his part, Hon Kalifa Jammeh, National Assembly member for Bakau, highlighted the significance of the exercise, adding that people are advised by the National Disaster Management Agency to keep their surroundings clean and prevent stagnant water. He finally called on the people of Bakau to desist from throwing garbage into the gutters.

Councillor Alhagie Bahoum of Bakau New Town and Fajara Ward said the exercise will help to prevent disaster during the rainy season. He urged the people to be mindful and observant of any activity that will lead to the damage of the gutters.

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