Yerriwa Kaffo cleans Bakau fisheries centre

By Alagie Manneh The Bakau fish landing site was thoroughly and completely cleansed Saturday, after a community-based organisation took it upon themselves to provide a healthier environment for an area that feeds and provides income for hundreds of families. But pollution of the site seems to be the order of the day with littering everywhere, prompting the Yerriwa Kaffo to embark on a sanitation exercise. Established primarily by the youths and women of the coastal town and embraced by trade minister Dr Isatou Touray as the adopted mother, organisers said the exercise is part of their drive for a healthy society, as they advocate “in the fight against combating hunger and malnutrition” in communities across the country. Speaking on the sidelines, 1st Vice Chair, Muhammed L Boy Janneh, paid tribute to his members’ invaluable contribution to society, saying there can be no development without a clean environment. “In the Gambia, most of our basic foodstuff comes from fish landing sites, so we want this area to be fully hygienic in order for our people to consume healthy foods coming from this area,” Mr Janneh said. He argued that the nation will not progress if people are not eating quality foods and be in good physical conditions. Ousman Bajo, the secretary, urged beachgoers to maintain the area clean, saying it is no use cleaning up the area only for it to be littered again. The young people were joined by the Bakau womenfolk, including members of the artisanal fishermen of Bakau. The cleaning exercise lasted several hours, and it was interspersed with drumming, dancing and singing. Organisers said their association aims to empower youths and women to take active part in community and national development initiatives, particularly in the trade and health sector of the country.]]>