A group of concerned Gambians calling themselves Gambian First Movement have vowed tough action against Kanifing mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda and his council over the escalating filth at the Bakoteh dumpsite.
The protest, led by Baboucarr Jeng and Saffiatou Joof, saw demonstrators march with placards and chant: “enough is enough, no more dumping.”
Speaking to reporters, Mr Jeng accused the Talib-led council of failing to fix the site despite receiving large sums intended for its clean-up.
“They were given more than €2 million to remedy this place and the EU gave €3 million,” he said.
“We will make sure everybody responsible is held to account, the mayor and his council.”
Protesters described chilling scenes at the dumpsite.
“This is where they dump every kind of rubbish, even dead animals,” one of the protesters.
“Just last month they dumped over three hundred dead chickens. Let them work on recycling the garbage.”
Health fears were a constant theme. Campaigners warned that the stench and contamination pose a serious risk to nearby communities.
“No more dumping. This is totally unacceptable,” said one activist.
“Money was invested and nobody can value it. This is not propaganda.”
The demonstrators vowed to escalate their campaign if the council fails to act.
“We are ready to stake our lives to ensure that the garbage is removed, by force if necessary,” Mr Jeng declared, drawing gasps from onlookers.
