The fire at the Bakoteh dumpsite, which started on Thursday, remains unextinguished, raising concerns over the health and safety of residents and children living and attending schools around the area.
Smoke from the burning waste has continued to spread a toxic pall across nearby communities, with residents complaining.
The situation has also disrupted education. Pupils at Bakoteh Proper Lower Basic School were reportedly sent home after smoke from the dumpsite made it difficult for lessons to continue.
The SOS Children’s Village in The Gambia has also announced the temporary closure of all its service units in Bakoteh until further notice.
The affected facilities include the SOS Kindergarten, Lower and Upper Basic Schools, Technical Senior Secondary School, Mother and Child Clinic, and Professional Training and Production Centre.
The organisation said the decision was taken as a precaution to protect children, young people, families and staff from potential health risks associated with the smoke.
Children and young people living at the SOS Children’s Village have also been evacuated and relocated to a safer environment.
In a press release, SOS Children’s Villages expressed its concern over the environmental and health risks posed by open waste burning. It called for coordinated action to contain the fire, assess potential health risks and communicate protective measures to affected communities.
The prolonged fire has also raised questions about the response of the relevant authorities, particularly reports of limited fire service presence at the scene.
The fire started a day before Talib Bensouda resigned as Kanifing municipality mayor following his decision to contest the presidential election.
With schools disrupted, children evacuated and residents exposed to smoke, the pressing question remains: who will take responsibility for bringing the fire under control and addressing the recurring dangers posed by the Bakoteh dumpsite?
