Local Government Minister Hamat Bah stepped in for the environment minister at Monday's National Assembly session. During the Waste Management Bill's second reading, he strongly criticized area councils throughout the country. He accused every council of failing to manage waste properly. The bill aims to control waste movement and ensure safe disposal practices.
Minister Bah told lawmakers that area councils must take responsibility for waste management. He emphasized that councils across The Gambia have failed to handle waste issues effectively and urged them to improve their performance immediately. He stated that most councils simply cannot manage the waste problems they face.
Bah acknowledged recent waste management improvements in Banjul city. However, he questioned whether these efforts would last long term. Many opposition parties control these area councils. Bah clarified his criticism came from concern for national well-being rather than political motivations.
The minister explained that after the bill passes, the National Assembly should oversee cooperation between councils and the NEA. This oversight would ensure Gambians receive benefits from the new waste management law. Bah stressed the importance of these agencies working together effectively. Their cooperation remains essential for proper waste management nationwide.
Bah added that lawmakers must ensure councils collect their resources properly. The National Assembly should allocate sufficient funds to environmental agencies. These financial resources would help The Gambia achieve its goal of environmental cleanliness. Adequate funding represents a key factor for successful waste management.
The minister highlighted how the bill addresses council financial responsibilities that support enforcement. The new legislation clarifies funding mechanisms for waste management operations. The Speaker later sent the bill to the Assembly's Business Committee. This committee will decide whether to refer it to another committee or a full plenary session.
Minister Bah told lawmakers that area councils must take responsibility for waste management. He emphasized that councils across The Gambia have failed to handle waste issues effectively and urged them to improve their performance immediately. He stated that most councils simply cannot manage the waste problems they face.
Bah acknowledged recent waste management improvements in Banjul city. However, he questioned whether these efforts would last long term. Many opposition parties control these area councils. Bah clarified his criticism came from concern for national well-being rather than political motivations.
The minister explained that after the bill passes, the National Assembly should oversee cooperation between councils and the NEA. This oversight would ensure Gambians receive benefits from the new waste management law. Bah stressed the importance of these agencies working together effectively. Their cooperation remains essential for proper waste management nationwide.
Bah added that lawmakers must ensure councils collect their resources properly. The National Assembly should allocate sufficient funds to environmental agencies. These financial resources would help The Gambia achieve its goal of environmental cleanliness. Adequate funding represents a key factor for successful waste management.
The minister highlighted how the bill addresses council financial responsibilities that support enforcement. The new legislation clarifies funding mechanisms for waste management operations. The Speaker later sent the bill to the Assembly's Business Committee. This committee will decide whether to refer it to another committee or a full plenary session.
