(JollofNews) – President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has accused a Gambian based Chinese-owned fishing factory at the centre of severe online criticisms of breaking the country’s environmental regulations.
Golden Leaf Factory in the coastal fishing village of Gunjur, Kombo South, is accused of releasing intense bad odour which is making people sick as well as destroying the country’s fish reserves and polluting the waters.
The management of the factory has denied the allegations which it described as untrue.
But the president said a recent fact-finding mission to the factory by his government’s officials has found that the factory has not respected proper environmental requirements as they are expected to under correct waste management and disposal practices.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Barrow wrote: “I have followed developments relating to the environmental pollution of some of our coastal villages in the Gambia, particularly in the area of Gunjur Beach. My government officials have visited the Golden Lead Company in Gunjur and have concluded that the company has not respected proper environmental requirements as they are expected to under correct waste management and disposal practices.
It has also been brought to my attention that there has been some illegal fishing in the area, with some fishermen using the wrong equipment. This is resulting in the catching and dumping of juvenile fish along the beach.”
Mr Barrow said while his government encourages and welcomes investment in the Gambia to promote the country’s economic growth and development, it maintains a firm position about protecting the environment and public health.
“Business practices must be environmentally friendly. We shall take all necessary action to ensure that current and future economic operators in the Gambia abide by the code of conduct expected of them,” he added.
Excellent News for Gunjur; President Barrow and his officials have done the job they are paid for; One hopes the situation is remedied and results in the necessary changes towards good and safe practices by all concerned.
President Barrow also needs to investigate a claim from a commentator on Jollof News that raw sewage is being released from Banjul directly into the sea in the vicinity of The State House / Atlantic Hotel.
Banjul sewage allegations should also be publicised With photographic evidence, like the Gunjur one, and then we should get to “work” again. It’s online activism and it’s powerful.
Mike,
Jammeh’s so-called transformation of the Gambia might have prompted works in the area to change conditions of the specific beach line in question and buy him good name from his die-hard supporters though, but to dispute the fact that 80cm radius-pipe openings have never existed, running sewage through crevices on the beach and into the tides, means, the beach line from Watner past Atlantic to Albert and possibly beyond is unknown to you from the Jawara regime to the late nineties. I was in my teens when the issue became my concern though most Gambia then would see it as a sign of frustration in me. Again, there was the Bone Road, if I write it correctly, where they dump the ‘soil’ in the mangroves. All those conditions may have improved by now but then, some would say even land space do constrict. Some amount of natural changes are inevitable even without human governance. Isn’t it?.
Indeed I think Mr. Bourne’s final questions about the Gunjur fishing company served a purpose even though you abstained being a competent respondent the his three bit question.
It is absolutely great news for accountability and transparency that the President, having been made aware of a matter of Public concern, and having taken steps to establish the facts about the matter, has then seen the need to inform and update the nation about the situation and the measures taken/to be taken to resolve this situation and prevent such violations in the future.
I don’t know what these measures are, but I would hope they include punitive ones too, such as fines to cover the cost of any clean-up operations, and stationing of enforcement officers on the factory premises, at the company’s expense, until government is satisfied that they are compliant.
I agree with the President that we should be investor friendly, but we must ensure compliance by all, and at all times.
Jack; I first entered The Atlantic Hotel on the night of 10th April 2000, when a message on the radio said all Foreigners should make there way there. Room 242 became my second home for my following 18 visits. Only punctuated by my invite to the Presidential suite on occasion. I had a fantastic relationship with The Manager Silvino and the staff. For sure I remember when the shoreline was right up to the swimming pool area. I and my staff used to sit out until 3am watching the dolphin lights and we could swim close to the shore; The reconstruction you mention saw the shoreline backed away to about 150 metres from its original position. Thus creating a Beach for white middle aged ladies to bathe topless surrounded by Gambian gigolo bling chiefs with amourous/ visa intentions. Occasionally when the wind was in the wrong direction there was a very unpleasant smell wafting through the veranda. Someone on here suggested that it may be sewage. Others commented on smelly mud banks along The River Gambia. Could be that tidal changes washed whatever it was/is/ back up the river ? Those commentators expressed concern for the environment.
Regarding Mr Bourne { a very engaging fellow} and others. I accept this toubab is fair game for fishing hooks. But I am street wise and have a duck’s back. But I guess they will catch me one day??? But hey after 29 death threats and 3 confirmed poison attempts/ two which landed me in hospital? I guess you could say these scales have a tough outer skin.
My long time friend from Gunjur suggested the Chinese factory should be situated further up the coast away from the Town. He called the situation right indicating that talks with government and townsfolk were underway.
I agree with Bax on all other matters>> He say’s it well as do you. Jollof News has earned a good reputation for burning issues, and it’s balanced arguments from it’s knowledgeable commentators, makes it a good place to meet and discuss what matters most to Gambians.
Thank you.
Mike, thank God I have never had an idea what the nightlife in the hotel industry looks like. I have heard stories of all sorts. All sorts are no good for young boys and girls!
However, I like swimming which I did even in the up country rivers despite stories of some parts being once inhibited by hippos and crocodiles. All I did on the beaches around Atlantic to Albert Market was walk and read apart from swimming. In my teens my interest in books had done me good enough to fall prey or become.. if your will borrow me with (gigolo bling chiefs with amorous visa/intentions) for those middle aged white women tourists.
Mike, 29 death threats and 3 poison attempts 2 of which landed you in hospital? We are still left with a lot of life doing well for the Gambia… Therefore NO, I don’t think it is because of your tough scales though you can have a duck’s back. What I think to be the truth is, you have gained a citizenship not just by mere honor but integration equal to birthright. All Gambians should be proud of you.
But come on…., a streetwise Toubab with a duck’s back for a fair game for the fishing hook? If I where Bourne, I rather get Mac, the broke Toubab tourist, on my fishing hook, for thinking the Gambians in the diaspora should be exploited in order to lessen his negatives.
Bax calls the Banjul sewage issue an ‘allegation’ which may be right because I missed Banjul in general. Hope the ghetto sanitation systems have gone standard. Embedded and flowing sewage system palmed from households is an advanced idea that perhaps can sufficiently curb the stench of the city’s ghettos. Do we really need photographic proofs to show why Banjul is an environmental concern? Banjul after all is where we call CAPITAL city…What drains from Banjul into the sea is an issue of priority but not as much as the sanitary conditions Banjul a dwell within. Are the mosquitoes brought under control? Oops, I dare not the shopkeeper hears me. What about his Bayer and the mosquito coils. Smile!
Rect……inhabited by
To write; …….Banjulians dwell within.
Don’t be p***** off Jack. Just playing your central defense.I know jollofnews editorial wouldn’t have allowed it if comments do undergo moderation. Thanks they don’t.
I miss Banjul:
Sometimes I go to my suitcase to smell the city. It lays deep in the fabric. The nightlife for the British tourist is regimented. They eat breakfast and disappear to somewhere I do not know. Those who stay by the pool wait for there free cup of tea and biscuit at 4 pm. Then watch Ami and her girls put on a show in the “Atlantic Hotel” theatre. Beautiful Ami with those long legs giving her version of Liza Minnelli in Cabaret. Last I heard she was a waitress somewhere near Leicester.
Then at 10 pm they disappear to their rooms. Me I used to sit at the bar with my white dinner Jacket looking like Rick { Humphrey Bogart} in Casablanca. I used to sing in a Prof. rock band/ The last performance I gave was singing with “Elvis” the keyboard player from The Super Eagles. I sang Stand By Me.
The first time at The Atlantic I was amazed to see one of the hero’s of my youth sitting playing at the piano. Crispian St Peters who had two Number one hits in the 60’s
One of them was” I’m the pied Piper” follow me”>>>
Romantic times>>> Banjul is a place that calls you back. It’s magic is unexplainable.
I have no regrets. What else would I have done with my money? When you get older you live on only memories>> Mine are special.