By Kumba Leigh
The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project II (WACA ResIP II) has handed over waste management equipment worth D30 million to the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the Brikama Area Council (BAC) to strengthen waste collection services and protect communities along the Kotu Stream from flooding and environmental degradation.
The handover is part of the World Bank-funded regional initiative to enhance the resilience of coastal communities across West Africa. In The Gambia, WACA ResIP II’s flagship intervention focuses on the restoration and reprofiling of the 11.2-kilometre Kotu Stream, a critical urban waterway that serves more than 200,000 residents.
For years, indiscriminate waste disposal has clogged the stream and its drainage channels, contributing to recurrent flooding, environmental pollution and public health risks. Recognising inadequate waste collection as a key driver of the problem, the WACA Project has invested in waste management equipment, public awareness campaigns and institutional capacity building to improve environmental sanitation and protect the Kotu Stream ecosystem.
In total, 319 waste management items were handed over. KMC received nine tricycles, 82 wheelbarrows, 164 refuse bins, one tractor head with trailer, two hydraulic tipping trailers and one 10-wheel tipper truck. BAC received three tricycles, 18 wheelbarrows, 36 refuse bins, one tractor head with trailer, one Foton Auman compactor truck and one six-wheel tipper truck.
Speaking at the ceremony, WACA Project Coordinator, Dr. Muhammed Lamin Sanyang said the project has worked closely with both councils to improve waste management along the Kotu Stream but acknowledged that the lack of appropriate equipment had remained a major challenge.
“The missing element has always been the equipment needed to effectively manage waste. With this investment, we expect to see more sustainable waste collection services that will keep the Kotu Stream clean, improve water flow and significantly reduce flooding risks,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, described the handover as a major investment in the country’s environmental resilience and said the D30 million equipment package would help sustain the gains already achieved under the WACA Project.
She observed that the project has made significant progress in reducing flooding along the Kotu Stream and its catchment areas through restoration works and improved environmental management.
“The cleaner our environment, the healthier our people. Flooding remains one of our greatest environmental challenges, and this investment is another important step towards achieving lasting and sustainable solutions,” the minister said.
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang urged both councils to ensure that the equipment is used exclusively for its intended purpose. She disclosed that Memoranda of Understanding would be signed to establish accountability mechanisms for the proper management, monitoring and maintenance of the assets. The minister also called on residents of the beneficiary communities to make full use of the improved waste collection services and play an active role in protecting and preserving the environment.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, Chief Executive Officer, Pa Sait Ceesay described the support as another demonstration of the strong partnership between WACA and the local councils.
He commended the World Bank, the Government of The Gambia and all stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening sanitation and environmental management.
Brikama Area Council Chairman, Yankuba Darboe assured the project that the equipment would be used efficiently and responsibly to improve environmental sanitation within the intervention communities.
Darboe noted that poor waste management remains one of the greatest threats to the Kotu Stream, which serves as one of the country’s most important drainage channels by carrying stormwater away from surrounding communities.
Chairman Darboe said the equipment would enable the council to provide regular waste collection services, discourage illegal dumping into the stream and improve environmental health. He disclosed that the allocation of the equipment was based on a comprehensive needs assessment conducted jointly by the project, the councils and beneficiary communities.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) at the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Muctarr M.Y. Darboe, described the handover as an important milestone in advancing sustainable development and improving public health.
He said the equipment would strengthen solid waste management and environmental restoration efforts while equipping local authorities with the tools required to deliver improved services. He urged the beneficiary councils to deploy the equipment effectively across the Kotu Stream communities, noting that environmental resilience depends on strong local governance.
The WACA ResIP II Project continues to integrate infrastructure development, environmental restoration and community engagement to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities, with the restoration of the Kotu Stream remaining one of its flagship interventions in The Gambia.
