Some residents in Bakoteh in the Kanifing Municipality have raised concern regarding the possible health hazards being posed by the odour that comes from the nearby rubbish dumpsite. Visiting the area recently, this reporter managed to talk to some of the residents who expressed their views on the dumpsite vis a vis their health. Mariama Colley, a house wife, who was met on her way home from the market, said the dumpsite emits a pungent odour and creates a lot of breathing inconvenience to those living nearby. "When the odour from the rubbish area starts coming, we don't breathe fresh air and I am afraid that inhaling it can be hazardous to our health, especially with our children," she lamented. She said she is calling on the authorities such as the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) to help them relocate the site as a matter of urgency to an area that is far from any human settlements.

"Since the health of the people should be a priority of the government, it is therefore important for these authorities to look for a solution and relocate the dumpsite at Bakoteh," she said.

Mamlie Touray and Hulay Gaye Touray, a couple residing in the area, also expressed their concern regarding the health hazards they are exposed to in living near the dumpsite. Mr. Touray said the problem they face there is all throughout the year.

"If it rains, the water on the rubbish creates a stronger odour and if it does not rain, it is the smoke that that makes breathing difficult for us," he said. He suggested that if relocating the site would prove to be difficult for whatever reason, the authorities could explore setting up a plant to recycle the refuse that can be used again. He added that apart from addressing the health related problems being posed by the dumpsite, the recycling plant will also help in creating employment for the people.

"I am urging the government to undertake a study to make findings on the potentials that can be derived from the refuse dumpsite and to make it an asset rather than a liability," he advised. Another resident of the area, Mr. Godwin Ola, reiterated the concerns of his neighbours and also called on both the local and national authorities to come to their aid and save them from illness.