The coastal area stretching from Jinack to Kartong needs to be surveyed and protected from abuse by the state because of the existential threat that goes with wrong use of the natural resources. The sand in the coastal area serves as a defence against encroachment of the ocean. Gambians should recall how the cemeteries in Banjul and other structures close to the ocean around Bund Road were all swallowed by water.
Our university and other institutes should have concentrated on doing studies on what caused the encroachment and how to prevent any recurrence. The country could have concentrated on studying how bricks could be made without relying on sand from the coastal area. This is how government can exist for the people. It must provide solutions, rather than just impose restrictions.
There is disenchantment in Kartong today because of government inaction preventing illegal sand mining. There is no need to wait until they come out protesting illegal sand mining before they act. When governments act in a timely manner to address public concerns, public order would never be the casualty. The time to act to save our coastline is now. Any day after would be too late.
