By Binta S Jawo
The Kanifing Environment Transformation Project (KETP) on Thursday 28th July received project materials from Westaid an organization based in The Gambia for the implementation of the “Building Climate Resilience through Sustainable Biodegradable Waste” project initiated by the Kanifing Municipal Council.
Delivering his opening statement on behalf of the CEO, the Director of Admin at KMC Jaja Cham, said the project aims to preserve natural resources, and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizer and fossil fuels. Biodegradables are collected from markets, mango leaves, coconut shells and groundnut shells and transformed using appropriate technologies to add value to domestic needs he explained.
The Project Coordinator of Westaid Madam Ingrid Henrys, said since the inception of the project last year July, 30 women 15 from Bakau and 15 from Bakoteh gardens have been taught how to make Bio-briquettes and compost fertilizers. She added that more than 70 vendors in Abuko and Old Jeswang markets have been sensitized on how to properly segregate waste. “This will help them play their part in climate change reduction,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Luca PALAZZOTTO thanks all the partners in this project and reiterated the support of the EU for this type of project at all times.
Delivering his statement, The Lord Mayor of KMC, Talib Ahmed Bensouda said he is delighted to receive the material of this project which was launched a year ago. He stresses the importance of the project as it marches with the aims and objectives of the KETP.
He promised that KMC will always support such projects in terms of sustainability. “KMC is passionate about waste management so they are ready to render a helping hand at any given time because it is environmentally friendly and economically viable,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the project beneficiaries Da Isatou Ceesay from the Bakau women’s garden said they are very grateful to Westaid and its partners. She went on to say that they now use weeds as compost fertilizers in their respective gardens all thanks to the Project.
The handing-over ceremony was also attended by women gardeners and vendors within KMC who are direct beneficiaries. Bio-briquettes and samples of compost fertilizers were handed over to KETP at the KMC premises.
This D6 Million waste management project is implemented by Westaid and funded by the European Union in partnership with the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus Initiative, Women Initiative Gambia and Kanifing Municipal Council.