Banjul could be at serious risk of flooding this year unless……

Africa » Gambia

Banjul is six feet below sea level

The City of Banjul might be threatened if the water pumping station along the Bond Road collapses, says Abubacarr Bah, the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) officer in charge of the station.

Bah stressed that the facility needs immediate reconstruction instead of rehabilitation, saying Banjul could be at even greater risk if serious flooding strikes from the sea, which can even compel the inhabitants to vacate.

 The pumping station serves as a taming point of water that flows into Banjul. The facility is currently in a dilapidated condition, and was last renovated in 1994  but Mr. Bah said this needed to be addressed immediately. The pumping station helps to pump water out of the city during sea rise.

 It could be recalled that the pumping station was installed in the Bond Road area of Banjul 1954 after the 1947 severe Banjul floods the killed so many people.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at the pumping station , Mr. Bah emphasized that  there is need for a greater concentration on the pumping station for a reconstruction, observing that if it is not rehabilitated it can last for only couples of months..

The disaster management coordinator for Banjul, Hudul Colley said they are currently negotiating with the Japanese Embassy in Dakar for their assistance to rehabilitate the facility.

Wilson Syngle, the deputy mayor of BCC told the delegates that the Council is trying its best to address disaster issues within Banjul.

 He cited the high-level rise of the river, poor drainage systems and uncovered drainage as some of the factors posing problems to them.

 He also listed the main canal in Tobacco Road and the Bond Road pumping stations as other challenges. Syngle used the platform to thank the NEMA delegates for visiting the Council and reiterated the need for a greater collaboration between them and the NDMA to address disasters whenever they strike.

By Dawda Bayo

Environment experts concerned over coastal erosion

Africa » Gambia

 

deplorable condition of Senegambia beach

 

Environment experts at the Ministry of Forestry and the Environment headed by Minister Fatou Ndey Gaye recently visited the country’s urban coastlines, raising concerns on the depleting nature of the seashore, especially at the Senegambia area.

Gaye, who assumed office four months ago as the minister of Forestry and the Environment was accompanied on the tour by officials of the National Environment Agency (NEA). The daylong tour took them to coastlines in Cape Point, Fajara and Senegambia.

The tour, according to officials was meant to obtain firsthand information on the current situation of the coastlines with a view to come up with concrete mechanisms that would help in averting or lessening possible future erosions and other problems that threatened the coastlines. The tour also sought to acquaint the new Forestry and the Environment minister on the different mitigation actions taken by stakeholders in the past to halt the impact of the coastal erosion that ate up a greater part of the area.

Speaking to the accompanying journalists on the tour, Minister Fatou Ndey-Gaye, said that even though all the sites visited need attention, the beaches at Senegambia and Kairaba require urgent consideration. She indicated that after the beach nourishment in the area, the coast was 160 meters away but decried that it has significantly reduced to just 16 meters.

Recalling that there was some nourishment at the beach sometime ago by the government, Minister Gaye lamented that her Ministry has already realised that the same problems that were addressed have been reoccurring again at the beach sites.

“One has to come out to see where the problems are happening,” she stated, while acknowledging the efforts of various individuals in trying to put the problems at bay.

“We appreciate their efforts because their properties are on the beaches and they have done a lot,” she said.

Minister Gaye admitted that erosions are taking place at the beaches, but was quick to indicate that it is caused by both the sea and the rain, a situation she said makes the problem more complicated.

She then indicated her Ministry’s commitment to put heads together with a view to draw a roadmap to tackle the issue.

“The Ministry would involve stakeholders and come up with something in the very near future,” she promised.

Also speaking to reporters, the executive director of the NEA, Momodou Sarr, said among the places they visited, the Senegambia area needed more attention than others.

“In my opinion, this particular site needs more attention,” he stated, recalling that in 2004 after the beach nourishment, it was pushed 160 meters away from the coast compared to now when it has drastically reduced.

The environment expert argued that the site is the only one among the visited areas that needs urgent attention.

Dilating on the impact of erosion, the NEA boss expatiated that erosion is bad in that it affectsbiodiversity. He spoke about the importance of mangroves, something he said is not only vital to tourism but also serve as a breeding ground for many species. He added that it would be prudent to maintain the sand on the beaches as it is critical for tourism.

Author: by bayo

Tree planting along the entrance of Banjul intl. airport.

 

Wood dealers want ornamental look for airport highway

Africa » Gambia

The chairman of the Association of Wood Re-exporters and Forest Users in The Gambia has disclosed that his Association has transplanted 1500 Lonely Pop trees locally called ‘Gumpo’ along the airport highway from the main junction to the terminal building, aimed at ornament ally beautifying that road as the first point of entry to the country.

Lamin Barrow made this disclosure over the weekend during an interview with the Daily Observer. He said the Association was formed two ye ars ago to help its members and also complement government’s effort in promoting afforestation. “We did the planting voluntarily to contribute our own quota in national development. We planted them in 2010 and today we gathered here to provide them protection and safety against intruders for their sustainability,” he added.   

He explained that they have employed a caretaker who will be overseeing the trees and will be monitored by their secretary general. Barrow also urged his members to be law abiding and respond quickly to calls of national development. “It is through hard work and participation in national development ventures of this nature that, our efforts can be recognised. I want to use this medium to also elucidate that our Association is not only a profit-making entity but also a contributor to the efforts of government,” he stated.

Also speaking to this reporter, Sambou Nget, senior forestry officer at the Department of Forestry, spoke on the importance of the project. According to him, the work exercise will not only provide security for the planted seedlings but will serve as an addendum in improving on their sustainability.

“We all know the importance of trees in our environment. Having these trees also means reducing carbon from our environment and also contributing to the fight of global warming. At Forestry our mandate is to protect trees in the forest and grow more to increase the forest cover,” he said. 

He called on people to be planting trees all the times, noting that it is not enough to plant but also take care of them. Nget also commended the members of the Association for their large turnout to participate in the exercise.His words: “I was so much encouraged and enthusiastic when I saw the participants who are mostly young people. The fact that old people cannot do it your massive turn out here is encouraging and I want to urge you to continue.”

Author: by Dawda bayo

Forestry Ministry issues stern warning to timber dealer

Africa » Gambia

The Ministry of Forestry and the Environment has issued a press release informing the general public of the assessment of stock of imported timber for re-export in URR, CRR, LRR and NBR, that it has conducted, following which the Ministry took a decision to allow the evacuation of the said stock from these Regions from the 19th June to 15th July 2012. The release added that anyone found transporting imported timbers in these regions for re-export beyond this period would be prosecuted.

The release reads:

In accordance with Section 5 of the General Provisions of the Forest Regulations 1998, the Ministry of Forestry and the Environment hereby informs the general public that after conducting an assessment of stock of imported timber for re-export in URR, CRR, LRR and NBR, a decision has been taken to allow the evacuation of the said stock from these Regions from the 19th June to 15th July 2012.

The general public is strongly urged to ensure that all imported timber for re-export in these Regions are evacuated to designated log yards in West Coast Region and Kanifing Municipality during the above-stated period. Any person found transporting imported timbers in these Regions for re-export beyond this period will be confiscated and the individual(s) will be prosecuted.

The general public is further informed that as per the provisional conditions of the timber re-export trade 2012, all logs for re-export must enter the country through entry points in West Coast Region (not outside Kalagi Village). These logs will be subjected to inspection at Mandinaba and Giboro, where Forestry personnel are posted to issue royalties and removal permits before GRA permits could be issued.

These measures have been put in place to curb the rampant destruction of our forest cover, which is one of the conditions for lifting of the ban on timber re-export by an Executive Directive Ref: OP 248/126/01/Part VII (78-LAC) dated 9th May 2012 from the Office of the President. The measures are further intended to address effectively the illegal felling of indigenous species particularly the endangered species such as West African rose wood (Keno) in our forests.

You would all recall that the rampant tree felling that occurred in the year 2007 and the ones which followed thereafter have contributed to the fast disappearance of such valuable tree species like ‘Keno’ (Pterocarpus erinaceous), ‘Jalo’ (Khaya senegalensis), ‘Sibo’ (Borrasus aerthiopium), ‘Santanwo’ (Dianellaoliveri) and other economic tree species, most of which are found to be immature, threatened and near extinction.

With the advent of this trade, forest protection becomes a real challenge in terms of monitoring as the incidents of illegal felling become highly alarming over the period. Despite the Department of Forestry’s effort in prosecuting people found wanting, the rate keeps on increasing and has reached a point where the Department cannot contain it and that the above measures are required to address the issue in order for the timber re-port trade to continue.

By a copy of this press release, all State Security Services, Regional Governors, District Chiefs, Village Alkalolu and the general public are hereby duly informed and are kindly requested to intervene or report to the nearest Forest Station, Police Station and other security checkpoints any incidents related to the above.

Author: Dawda bayo

Reclamation of our lost sandy beaches in the Gambia

The Gambian government knew leaving the beach eroding to sea will have adverse effect to the  tourism industry  which provides an employment opportunities for  over hundred thousand people. By 2002, Gambia tourism authority, a regularity body responsible for the affairs of the hotels and tourists have lost much of the beaches to the sea erosion .This have posted a threat to our tourism industry in 2002.

ERODED SANDY BEACHES THREATEN THE SUN BIRTHING OF THE TOURISTS ON HOLIDAY IN 2002

 In 2002 ,  the government signed contract with a Hollandaise company to reclaim the lost sandy beach along the coastal line and that company successfully reclaimed our sandy beach was restored it to its original form( about 200 to 300 meters of white sandy  from the sea).

 The Gambian beaches are given new name smiling coast of Africa and not only white sandy beaches but Gambians are the most friendly people in African continent and any tourist that  once come to the Gambia can testify to that.The Gambia have some of Africa’s best  sandy beaches that stretch  for 80 km and this attracts more than 150,000 tourists annually

PRESIDENT JAMMEH CONTINUES TO CALL FOR ALL HANDS ON DESK TO MAKE GAMBIA FOOD SELF SUFFICIENCY ON HIS RETURNED FROM QUATAR

The Gambian leader continues to stress on the need for  food security in the country, which has been the focus of his ongoing campaign slogan; "grow what you and eat what you grow"
His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh made this appeal to the Gambians through his interview with journalists at the airport on his return
from Qatar in February.
 The president urged Gambians  particularly the youths to rise up to the challenge and engage in agricultural activities. He lamented that farming is diminishing in the area in contrast to what used to obtain in by gone days.
President Jammeh told journalists that no country can boast of  real independent if you are not self sufficiency in food production.
He declare this year 2011---2012  farming season as a  failure due to less rain and this cause drought but his mission to Qatar was seek for food aid from the Qatari government for the Gambians.

President Jammeh also said a friend in  need is a friend in deed and the governments of Qatar,Japan and Taiwan as a true friends that always help his government .

He warned Gambians that the countries that are exporting rice are gradually becoming industrialize , this will reduce their  currently state of agricultural production and if the demand for food at world market is higher than the supply the food price will skyrocketed as those experience in 2008.

 PRESIDENT JAMMEH;S FARMING ACTIVIST

President Jammeh's demonstrating to the local farmers how to use a power tiller in the farm

He also said in his popular  document in TV; 'Jammeh a farmer,' that he is doing farming to serve as roll model for the youths of this country to take up farming seriously and together we create food sufficiency for our beloved country to save it from hunger .As a photojournalist, i have covered president Jammeh on many occasions at his  farm  and also with helping women at their various farms and all this have shown that Gambian leader is a very active farmer who always spent his entire holiday  farming in every month of August  at his village of Kanilai.

President Jammeh also remains the people of Foni that during his childhood period  , if you take a look a village Mayork up to the village of Kamwally, you see only mighty farmlands, but today the area has been turned into a thick forest due to the non-utilization of those farms.

PRESIDENT WITH SINE HOE WEEDING
"If I tell you to till the land, you say it is difficult"  but as a president i do till the soil daily whilst at Kanilai says President Jammeh.

But farming and death which one is difficult? We all know that you cannot go to heaven without dying, so how is it possible for you to have something without sweating?
 He told youths that farming or tilting the soil is rewarding in the next world.

Women and Vegetable Crop Production

Women have continued to be the principal producers of vegetables for the home and local market. Women in this industry can be categorised into individual and communal producers. The group or communal approach was either at the village level or women groups in the Village.

PRESIDENT WITH WOMEN WEEDING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

Introduced by the Department of Agriculture to easily reach many women with extension advice,    using common gardens in which each woman has a number of beds to grow preferred vegetables. 

According to the 2002/2003, National Agricultural Sample Survey, 87,000 women operate in communal gardens. All the groups experienced water shortage. Consequently, yields were reduced.

SIR DAWDA JAWARA FORMER GAMBIAN PRESIDENT DONATED A SUM OF D50,000 TO THE VP AS PART OF HIS GIFT TO REMEDY THE POOR HARVEST OF THE FARMERS

Former Gambian president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara on Monday gave D50, 000 as his contribution towards the remedial efforts to last year's farming season failure.

     
Presenting the money to the Vice President and Minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, at State House, Sir Dawda Jawara explained that this was a disaster that struck the Sahel region, as a result of change in climatic condition, which can be unfavorable to crop production.

He therefore noted that we can't leave everything in the hands of government, that institutions and individuals should come forward to assist in this natural disaster to complement government's efforts.
'
The Vice President Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy thanked the former president on behalf of President Jammeh, government, the entire Gambian people, the beneficiaries for this laudable gesture.

She added that not everybody can "sacrifice a month's salary" for such a course and therefore thanked Jawara for heeding to the President's call for contribution to a fund that he has set aside to address the situation.

VICE PRESIDENT OPENS THE 4th REGIONAL SEMINAR ON FOOD SECURITY AT SEA VIEW HOTEL

Vice President Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of sub-regional seminar on food security through commercialization of Agriculture, at the Ocean Bay Hotel.

The three-day meeting marked the 4th Food Security through Commercialization of Agriculture (FSCA) sub-regional programme meeting.

FSCA project in The Gambia is among seven national projects funded in West Africa by the Italian Government through its special contribution to the Global Trust Fund for food security and food safety.

The projects are implemented through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Mali, Senegal, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry and Sierra Leone.

The project aims at promoting food security and supporting specific policies to introduce sustainable production, processing and marketing for farmers.

           

In her opening speech, the vice-president said the meeting was timely and relevant as the workshop was taking place at a time the Gambia Government has just launched the country Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE), the successor programme to PRSPII, which seeks to enhance further the productive base of the economy through maximizing its growth potentials.

“The Government of The Gambia has been committed to reducing poverty and improving the well-being of its population since designing its first development strategy in 1994. This commitment is driven by the government’s long-term strategy - Vision 2020,” VP Njie-Saidy said.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Gambian economy, she also said, adding that it contributes about 24 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“The Vision 2020 Gambia Incorporated, the national Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment and the sector policy and programme, all spell out clearly our determination and commitment as a nation and government to agriculture as the main pillar for this country’s future and its development,” the vice president said.

HOW ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AFFECTS WOMEN IN SUB- SAHARAN COUNTRIES ESPECIALLY IN THE GAMBIA.

There is already a growing number of female or women headed households in the rural Gambia either as a widow or husband traveled to urban areas or abroad for greener pastures  and the entire welfare of the children rest in the hands of mothers couple with their farming and other domestic works.

 In the Gambia  women produce  75% of the rice  cultivation at the farms and 65% of the labor force in agriculture are women according to the survey conducted by Action Aid the Gambia in 2010.

 Women tilting the soil with their local farming tools for rice cultivation to secure food at home for children and men.

 Therefore their work is essential , particularly  for children, according to survey conducted by a local NGO in 2010 in the Gambia  rural women head almost a quarter of  all households and this is  also prevalence  in  other part of the  world’s poorest countries more so in sub Saharan Africa. 

Although these women are smiling,the Gambia women declared 2011-2012 farming season a failure resulting from severe crop failures and a corresponding soaring of food prices.

According to a media release from the Ministry, signed by Permanent Secretary Ada Gaye, the post-harvest assessment of the 2011 farming season, which was characterized by below normal and poorly distributed rainfall, indicated a reduction in total crop production of more than 70%.

In response to this emerging crisis, according to the release, the government of The Gambia is mobilizing all available emergency funds for immediate action to assist the most affected, and calls on the international community and NGOs to assist in addressing current needs and preventing further deterioration of the situation.

THE RURAL WOMEN WINNOWING THEIR POOR HARVEST FROM THE GRAINS. 

The post-harvest assessment of the 2011 -2012 farming season, which was characterized by below normal and poorly distributed rainfall, indicated a reduction in total crop production of more than 70%. Very poor harvests, varying from nothing harvested in some of the villages and regions to unsatisfactory harvests of rice, groundnuts, millets, maize and sorghum in others, could barely guarantee self-provisioning of 2 months. In an average year, self-provisioning is put at 4-6 months.

This poor harvest is also exacerbated by the soaring world food prices, which in turn have resulted in the rapid depletion of household incomes. 

While food stocks in some of the major markets/areas are still at an acceptable level, price increases are progressively becoming a severe strain on the incomes of poor households and hence their access to food.

Therefore the Gambian women need held to boost their agricultural out put from the donor agents especially 2012 season and am also using my blog to appeal   to the philanthropies,western countries and other international organizations to the help the government and people of the Gambia with food aid,fertilizer etc.

Although Taiwan and Japan with IFAD pledge to assist the government but we need the help of EU and USA & FAO ,so that Gambia will not like be other famine region in west Africa.

Government intends to start in earnest a seed multiplication program for the main food and cash crops, and provide general relief food distributions to the entire farming population particularly those in the hardest hit regions and districts.

The resources urgently needed to realize the above is well beyond what the national capability can guarantee and thus our resort to ask for external help from our friends and development partners. National Seeds requirement is put at 25, 000 MT valued at US$10 Million. Fertilizer requirement is estimated at 37, 500 MT valued at US$8 Million and Food Relief is estimated at 40, 000 MT valued at US$5 Million.

 The entire yellow region of the Sahel in west Africa are currently experiencing food shortages and worst countries are Mali, Niger,and 

 

.