The people of Kitty village in Kombo Central have issued a plaintive cry for help from the illegal dumping of toxic waste by a Chinese company, Golden Lead.

Effects of toxic waste dumped in the water

Former Secretary of Sports Council and concerned member of the community, Besentty Gomez said: “We need your help. They've brought the toxic substance of the Chinese factory in Gunjur to us in Kitty . This community is without electricity and pipe borne water, yet it's 3km from Brikama. Our people are falling ill and could soon start dying because of drinking water from wells which carry these toxic substances. The place is called Tanbana but it's behind our houses. This place used to be our rice fields where most of us got our school fees paid from among others”. Despite being at the center of litigation over environmental damage in Gunjur, Golden lead company’s disregard for environmental laws goes unabated. Besenty further enunciated:

“It's unfortunate. We trust you can visit to see what's happening there yourself or ask someone to corroborate my version. This is another Bakoteh dumpsite in the offing. We're suffering. We need action now , not words. This is a recipe for typhoid, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis among other water borne diseases as well as air related diseases from burning of toxic material. The health officials must test the soil and water as well as people in the area for any toxic substance immediately before it becomes a national disaster”.

Kitty Tambana is now becoming Bakoteh dump site

The National Environment Agency (NEA) and other relevant government agencies must take appropriate action to stop this wanton destruction and degradation of the Gambian environment by irresponsible foreign investors.

The accused, Golden Lead Fishmeal processing company is currently in a protracted legal battle with environmental groups in Gunjur, some 10KM from Kitty village. The civil suit which began at the High Court in Banjul last year is now slated for possible judgement on 20th February 2018.