Forestry caretaker warns waste throwers off Nyambai Forest

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By AMADOU MANJANG

The Head of Plantation at the Nyambai Forest Park has warned the public against the dumping of waste in the forest, a tendency which he said is profoundly injurious to the environment.

Omar Sidibeh blamed the act of dumping waste in the forest for frequent bushfires which end up destroying everything in their path including forest covers and plants.

“Some people throw ash with fire into the forest and this cause outbreaks which damage plants” he complained before emphasising that the mismanagement of waste is responsible for the killing many fledglings in this environment.

According to Mr. Sidibeh dumping activities gradually destroy the visage of greenery of the forest, spoiling layers of green foliage and undergrowth which sustains its biodiversity.

“When you look at the forest, it should be green and fresh but wastes affect that view,” he explained, adding that this also affects the freshness of the air that should be circulating in the forest.

He said even underground water infrastructure could be adversely affected by waste mismanagement. He pointed out that water passing in leaking pipes laid by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) in areas can be contaminated by these wastes which will consequently harm consumers.

He said the wastes also render the road inaccessible and prevent officials from accessing the forest and challenged the public to view the environment as a collectively responsibility given the many benefits of the forest, a source of food and firewood for many homes.

Sidibeh called on all and sundry in The Gambia to change their attitude toward the forest which contributes meaningfully to livelihoods.