Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow says the concession agreement between government and Zoomlion Gambia Integrated Waste Solutions will completely transform the country’s waste management.
Jallow, speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow at the sod-cutting for Integrated Waste Treatment Facilities at Tambana dumpsite in Brikama, said government is determined to fix waste crisis once and for all.
The project, spearheaded by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in partnership with Ghanaian waste giant Jospong Group through Zoomlion Gambia, is under Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.
Phase one covers Greater Banjul Area – Banjul City Council, Kanifing Municipal Council and Brikama Area Council before rollout to other regions.
It will tackle poor collection, lack of modern treatment facilities, indiscriminate dumping and health hazards from improper disposal.
Modern infrastructure including mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plants, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and transfer stations will be constructed to improve collection, transport, recycling and waste-to-resource initiatives under circular economy.
“This is far more than a business deal. It is a strategic step towards changing how waste is collected, transported, treated, recovered and safely disposed,” Jallow said.
He thanked Jospong Group for its confidence in The Gambia and commitment to address persistent environmental and public health challenge.
He said the project will ensure closure, remediation and rehabilitation of notorious Bakoteh and Mile 2 dumpsites.
Jallow linked the project to legislative reforms including the Waste Management and National Environment Management Bills designed to strengthen environmental governance.
“Waste management is not solely responsibility of government institutions. It is a shared responsibility,” he warned, noting that the project will create jobs and turn waste into wealth.
The Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe called it historic, citing waste crisis driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
He urged responsible disposal and household segregation.
GALGA President Muhammed Ceesay said effective waste management is central to local governance and pledged association’s commitment.
The NEA Executive Director Dr Dawda Badjie said initiative marks shift from dump-and-burn to modern technology-driven system creating jobs and economic opportunity while protecting environment and public health.
