By Adama Makasuba
Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly member representing Lower Saloum, has advocated for establishing legislation prohibiting the importation of used vehicles and other goods into the country.
Mr. Jawara presented this appeal during the second reading of the waste management bill, which aims to enhance the existing environmental framework by addressing enforcement gaps and ensuring adherence to international standards.
In his remarks in Parliament, Mr. Jawara asserted that The Gambia is being exploited as a “dumping ground” by importers of these materials. He emphasized the need for a law to ban the importation of used items, arguing that such imports contradict the current legislation’s goals. “People are exporting defective tires, used clothing, and shoes from Europe into our country, which must be stopped,” he stated.
He highlighted that the materials exported from the West to Africa are often substandard. “The Gambia, in particular, has become a dumping site. The importation of old vehicles should also be banned, as they are essentially junk,” he told Parliament.
Between 2023 and 2024, The Gambia experienced substantial imports of vehicles valued at approximately 3.91 billion dalasis, along with at least 114 shipments of clothing from the United States, India, and Turkey. Additionally, about $3 million was spent on footwear in 2024.
Waste pollution continues to be a significant challenge in The Gambia, posing serious environmental, health, economic, and social issues for the nation’s 2.5 million residents. However, there is considerable optimism that once this bill is enacted, it will significantly impact combating waste pollution.
