Youth leaders and supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Grand Alliance have launched a large-scale community cleansing exercise in Serekunda and Latrikunda, citing growing concerns over waste accumulation and poor sanitation in some of the municipality’s busiest commercial areas.
The exercise brought together hundreds of young political activists, community volunteers, market vendors and local leaders who worked to remove accumulated refuse, clear stagnant gutters and clean public spaces around the Serekunda Health Centre, Serekunda Market and the Black Market area.
The initiative was organised by youth groups affiliated with the NPP-led Grand Alliance, which includes supporters from coalition partners such as the APRC, GDC, CA, GMC, GPDP and NCP.
Armed with shovels, brooms, gloves and other protective equipment, volunteers tackled piles of garbage and blocked drainage channels. Local representatives, including Councillor Baboucarr Mansally, also contributed equipment and logistical support to the exercise.
Speaking to journalists during the clean-up, Momodou Sabally praised the youth for taking what he described as direct civic responsibility in addressing sanitation challenges.
“When it comes to national development and progress, we don’t see our individual political parties; we see The Gambia,” Sabally said.
He said the initiative was also intended to complement President Adama Barrow’s call for citizens to help protect newly developed public infrastructure, including roads, schools and health facilities.
“We have decided to respond to the clarion call made by His Excellency President Adama Barrow to ensure that our environment matches the world-class roads and public amenities being constructed across the country,” he added.
Sabally, however, used the occasion to criticise the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), accusing the municipal authorities of failing to adequately address waste collection despite collecting taxes from market traders and small business owners.
He argued that market vendors, particularly women who depend on trading for their livelihoods, deserve cleaner and safer working environments.
According to Sabally, the scale of the sanitation problem demonstrates the need for stronger and more consistent waste-management services rather than relying solely on occasional community clean-up exercises.
“This job cannot be finished in one day, but we came, we saw, and we have conquered,” he said. “Every young person in this country is showing that when local authorities fall short, citizens can take responsibility to keep their environment safe, clean, and healthy.”
Sabally also raised concerns about waste and standing water reportedly found within close proximity to the Serekunda Health Centre. He warned that accumulated refuse and stagnant water in such an area could pose significant public-health risks to patients, health workers and surrounding communities.
The exercise comes amid wider concerns over sanitation and waste management in the Greater Banjul Area, where rapid urbanization and increasing commercial activity have placed additional pressure on municipal waste-collection systems.
Organisers said the Serekunda initiative is intended to be the beginning of a broader volunteer-driven sanitation campaign. Similar exercises, they said, will be organised in other communities as part of efforts to encourage young people to take an active role in maintaining clean and healthy environments.
