By Nelson Manneh
Several abandoned compounds in Ebo-Town and Tallinding Farokono have turned into makeshift dumpsites, raising health and environmental concerns among residents as the rainy season begins. This transformation comes despite efforts by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) to manage waste through scheduled garbage collection and the use of the official Bakoteh dumpsite.
During a recent visit, residents in both communities shared their frustrations and challenges. Many parts of Ebo-Town and Tallinding Farokono are built on wetlands, and the construction of homes on waterways has long contributed to flooding during the rainy season. Now, residents say, unmanaged garbage disposal is compounding their difficulties.
Vacated compounds, some with collapsed buildings, have become de facto dumping grounds. Households in the area routinely discard their trash into these compounds, with some residents saying it has become a normalized practice.
“I came to Ebo-Town by virtue of marriage. My husband is from Tallinding Farokono. When I moved here, I saw people throwing garbage in the abandoned compound, so I did the same. No one complains, so I thought it was normal,” Fatou Sowe, a resident, told Foroyaa.
Madam Sowe noted that KMC trucks only visit their area once or twice a week, and even then, it’s not always clear where residents should take their trash. “It might not be a good practice, but we have no other place to throw our trash. If the Council wants us to stop, they should come more frequently,” she added.
Lamin Dampha, a shopkeeper located just meters from one such dumpsite, said KMC had previously visited the area and urged the community to stop using the compound as a dumping ground. “Yes, the compound is abandoned, and the structure has collapsed, but that does not mean people should throw garbage there,” he said.
Dampha, who sometimes has to move indoors due to the foul odor, called on authorities to implement firm measures. “The smell is unbearable. I believe the authorities should do more to prevent people from dumping waste here.”
Others who spoke to Foroyaa echoed similar sentiments. Many questioned why the Council has allowed the practice to continue in non-designated areas, pointing to the stench and unsanitary conditions.
At the time of going to press, attempts to reach the Councilor of Tallinding for comment were unsuccessful. Foroyaa will continue to follow up on the issue and engage the municipal authorities for answers.
