𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕: 𝐔𝐏𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Littering in public spaces has become a growing concern in The Gambia, with piles of waste clogging streets, gutters, and open areas. This unsightly and unsanitary situation has left citizens questioning the effectiveness of laws meant to combat such practices.

Ebrima Jabang, a teacher and law student who leads a student-driven environmental activist group, United Patriots for Change, described the situation as “both unsightly and unsanitary,” highlighting its far-reaching implications for public health and the environment.

The Anti-Littering Act 2007, designed to curb indiscriminate dumping, contains strict provisions to deter public littering. Under Section 4(1), littering in streets, pavements, gutters, or driveways is classified as a serious offense. Additionally, Subsection 3 mandates fines of up to D5,000 for offenders upon conviction.

However, despite the existence of this robust legal framework, enforcement has remained alarmingly weak. President Adama Barrow, during a recent nationwide tour, expressed dismay at the deteriorating state of public spaces and the growing littering crisis. While he pledged to direct authorities to enforce the law, many are questioning why the government has failed to address the issue effectively despite the legal tools available.

The United Patriots for Change (UPC) has urge the President to take immediate and decisive action. “It is incomprehensible that people are allowed to turn our country into a ‘mbalit nation’ when we already have laws with strong provisions to address this issue,” the group stated. Mr. Jabang called on the President to work closely with the Ministry of Environment to ensure strict enforcement of the Anti-Littering Act, stressing the need for accountability and a cultural shift in attitudes toward waste management.

Environmental activists have also sounded the alarm about the potential long-term effects of unchecked littering on public health, tourism, and the overall aesthetic of urban areas. “The lack of enforcement sends a message that littering is acceptable. This needs to change, and it starts with upholding the law,” Mr. Jabang asserted.

The Patriots stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach, including increased civic education, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and greater community engagement to tackle the littering crisis. They argue that successful implementation of the Anti-Littering Act would not only clean up public spaces but also instill a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.

As the nation awaits concrete action from the government, the fight against littering stands as a test of leadership and collective responsibility.