Rotting fish waste, plastic bags, bottles and discarded fishing nets are piling up at the Tanji Fish Landing Site, turning one of the country’s most important economic centres into what environmental activists describe as a growing health and environmental crisis.

The Gambia Environmental Alliance raised the alarm after visiting the site, describing the conditions as unacceptable for the fishermen, fish processors, vendors and young people who rely on Tanji for their daily survival.

“What should be a thriving hub of food supply and livelihoods is now choked by the stench of decaying fish and scattered plastic, with waste dumped openly on the ground and washed into the sea, threatening marine life and public health,” it said.

The group warned that the situation puts workers and consumers at risk, as poor sanitation can lead to unsafe fish, increased disease and a loss of customer confidence.

While calling on those working at the site to take responsibility by keeping waste in one place and stopping the dumping of plastic and fish remains into the ocean, the Alliance stressed that individual action alone will not solve the problem.

They also urged local authorities, site managers and other stakeholders to act urgently by strengthening waste collection, creating separate areas for organic and plastic waste and supporting regular clean-up exercises.

According to the group, restoring cleanliness at Tanji starts with a simple decision not to drop waste, but to pick it up, dispose of it properly and encourage others to do the same.

By Adama Makasuba