Lawmaker has expressed concern over growing deforestation in the country and called for tough actions against perpetrators. 

Speaking during a committe session in Banjul, National Assembly member for Kiang East and chairperson of the house environment committee Yaya Gassama  said deforestation is one of the major causes of flooding which can have devastating impact on human lives. 

“Human activities that lead to flooding include deforestation for various reasons such as fuel wood collection and charcoal burning, road construction, construction of impervious layers over the soil surface such as concrete and tar,” he said.

“I urge everyone to stop deforestation and grow more trees. And on the causes of flooding, there are a myriad of causative agents, both natural and human and a “thesis” would be needed to explain all of that.

“However, if we are to focus on the human causes because that aggravates the magnitude and impact of flooding,” Gassama said.

“We need to put in place effective strategies to minimise the occurrence of flooding and other natural disasters. I believe all these are part of climate change (global warming) impacts. I urge everyone to stop deforestation and grow more trees,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba