The Gambia government has issued a September 30 deadline to roadside structure owners to either dismantle their structures or face the wrath of the law.

The government said erection of buildings close to the road is a “violation of The Gambia Motor Traffic and Physical Planning Acts and Regulations”. 

“The Gambia Government has observed with serious concern the lack of adherence to the traffic regulations and the law governing building construction and permits for the erection of structures.

“This reckless disregard and willful violation of The Gambia Motor Traffic and Physical Planning Acts and Regulations seriously obstructs vehicular activity and endangers the lives of motorists, pedestrians, and the public,” Ebrima G. Sankareh, government spokesman and presidential diaspora adviser said in a statement.

“For the security, safety and unobstructed use of our highways and roadways, the Government hereby announces its Zero Tolerance Policy against any unauthorised and illegal structures erected within the 40-meters-corridor and other road corridors.

“Effective immediately, all such structures identified within these specified corridors must be removed on or before 30th September 2023 and failure to adhere to this dispatch will result in the swift demolition of all these structures without further notice,” the statement added. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba