Police have been tasked by the environmental agency to enforce laws against anti-littering and ban on plastic bags. 

The Gambia enacted laws in 2007 and 2015 to punish anti-social behaviours such as littering, urinating in public and banning the use of plastic bags.

According to the laws, anyone found littering will be fine 5,000 dalasis while anyone found urinating in public places is liability to pay 5,000 dalasis or serve a six month prison term. 

Petty businessowners including café sellers are also urged to desist selling without dustbin, as they could be liable to a fine of 1,500 dalasis.

The National Environmental Agency held a nationwide sensitisation tour recently to inform the public about plans to enforcement the laws. 

Bori Mansa Demba, NEA programme manager, said: “We want to enforce the law against anti-littering and use of plastic in the country. We are engaging the police to help enforce the laws. We have held sensitisation with communities about the new enforcement. 

“We have told them that these activities must stop because these plastic materials are no more being imported and sold in the country.”

“The plastic breed mosquitos which are inflicting malaria disease on many people are unhealthy and anyone found in possession with the plastic bags will face the full force of the law,” Mariam Bah, programme assistant and communications officer added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba