The anti-littering regulation symposium organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in partnership with the Law Students Association of The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) has gained momentum, with the Development Studies Students Association of the University of The Gambia as the latest group to be involved.

At a symposium held yesterday at the GOVI Head Office in Kanifing, both the GTTI law students and the UTG development studies students, were exposed to the concept of the anti-littering regulations as well as the importance of the operation clean the nation initiative to Gambians and the functions of the local authorities in ensuring a clean and healthier environment.

Dr Sarja Taal, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia, observed that The Gambia’s environment is badly threatened due to the behaviors of the people towards it. To this end, he said, the awareness level of the people must be enhanced which will ensure the adequate management of the environment, saying   "to put environmental consciousness into the people, there must be a sense of direction".

Dr Taal told participants that communities need help on the environment and the only way they can be assisted is to sensitise them on its importance. He then challenged the GTTI law students and the University development studies students to be pro- active in the dissemination of the regulation laws to the general public,  for Gambians to enjoy a clean and healthy environment.

Lamin J Gassama, president of the GTTI law Students Association, informed participants that anti-littering courts would be established in due course at Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama, where defaulters of the regulations will be prosecuted. Lieutenant Buba Bojang, a barrister in law at the Attorney General’s Chambers said the anti-littering regulations came from the National Environment Management Act. According to him, to  achieve a clean environment, people must change their behaviors. “If people continue to litter everywhere without any control, it will by extension, have negative effect on the environment” he said.   

Bojang then explained with concern about people who are fond of making their bathrooms at roadsides, thereby letting water leak outside making the roads dirty. Such acts, he said, are strictly against the regulations and anyone found guilty, will pay a maximum fine of D5000. On the functions of the local authorities in ensuring a clean environment, Bojang explained that they are mandated to take all measures to prevent littering in their jurisdictions. Such measures he continued, include the promotion of awareness on the anti-littering regulations.

The symposium was chaired by Ismaila Badjie, president of the Development Studies Students Association of the University of The Gambia.