Residents of Banjul have recently been confronted with incidents of stray reptiles surfacing in residential areas, with residents resorting to brutalising these animals for claims of fear of being harmed. These are snakes and crocodiles said to be coming from a canal in Uncle Wollay Street in Banjul North. Residents of Tobacco Road say they feel threatened and endangered; especially for their children by the appearance of these crocodiles around their compounds.
However, a viral video of a group of people in the capital city brutally killing a crocodile has sparked outrage, with concerned citizens and environment activists calling on Wildlife authorities to quickly come to the rescue of these endangered animals, as well as put in protective measures for safety of the residents.
Touring the affected area over the weekend Honourable Ousman Sillah, the National Assembly Member for Banjul North indicated to the accompanying press corps, that it is part of his responsibility to ensure inhabitants of Banjul North are safe but also the fauna is protected.
He informed that he has consulted the Department of Wildlife together with the Ministry of Environment tasking them to work on the issue with immediate effect.
He attested that an assessment has been conducted by the officials of the Department of Wildlife and that they are able to confirm the presence of the crocodiles through their foot and tail markings. The NAM acknowledged that residents have expressed concern and requested for the crocodiles to be relocated, as their presence is an imminent threat to their lives.
"Despite claims that these animals are harmless, there is no guaranty that they will not harm people; they are wild animals and there is the need for urgent attention,’’ he added.
Honourable Sillah recommended for a crocodile pool to be established around the area for tourist attraction - as a source of income for the government, in which a percentage of the income will be ploughed back to the community of Tobacco and for the development of Banjul at large.
Commenting on the mob killing of the animals, the Banjul North lawmaker cited the Wildlife Act 2003, which he said has indicated the prohibition of the killing of wild animals including crocodiles. He therefore condemned the killing of crocodiles in his area, noting that he has been engaged in several sensitisation activities in the area about the incidents.
Indicating that the presence of crocodiles and other reptiles is as a result of the place being a wetland called ‘Tanbi wetland’, Sillah said animal conservation is an absolute necessity. He emphasized the need for continuous sensitization of the people to cherish wildlife; especially on the knowledge of conservation.
Jainaba Sarr, an old woman resident at Tobacco Road, Banjul, decried the presence of the crocodiles saying they are mostly out during heavy rains and at night looking for food.
She suggested the need for environment protection and sanitation; noting that a dirty surrounding can be open to threats. She added that great care is needed because the place is very dangerous for them.
For his part, Sambujang Drammeh, an activist, said they have severally reported the appearance of snakes, yet nothing has been done about it.
Mamudou Njie, a youth, called on the authorities to intervene, in order to avert such recent incident in which some people beat a crocodile to death for fear of being attacked.
Fatoumatta Makalo, Ebrima Kujabi and Aisha Nyang all residents of Tobacco Road, expressed similar sentiments.
