Police have clashed with residents of Old Jeshwang as government commenced enforcing demolition of illegal structures on the highways. 

The operation includes demolition of permanent and temporary structures and installations that are in breach of the laws governing road safety and public order.

The furious residents many of whom are young men stood their ground to challenge the enforcement as soon as the police in their riot gears arrived.

Amid tense situation, police fired teargase to disperse the angry residents who threw stones at them. 

One of the protesters, a defiant shop owner, was arrested for refusing the enforcement. 

Speaking to reporters at the scene, police spokesman ASP Modou Musa Sisawo described the reaction of the residents as “unfortunate”. 

He said the police knew they will face challenges but added that they didn’t expect that “boys would ganged against us throwing stones.

“That’s not going to demoralise us because we have an objective and we have to do what is bestowed on the Gambia Police Force to ensure safety and stability.”

He added: “It is disappointing and we have to register that. We expect the Gambia people, especially the youths we know are the future leaders and they should take part in anything that’s going towards the development of this country.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba