Gunjur, The Gambia - Gunjur, once renowned for its pristine coastlines and lush forest cover, is now facing severe environmental degradation due to rampant illegal sand mining.
This article is the result of a recent video and photographic documentation by environmental activist, Lamin Mbakau Jammeh, of the open pits and environmental degradation left behind by uncontrolled sand mining activities in Guniur. The videos and photos highlighted the ongoing illegal activities, their impact on the environment and local communities, and the apparent inability of authorities to effectively address the issue.
Illegal sand mining in Gunjur, particularly around the 'Senya Forest' area, has escalated despite the rainy season and the associated risks. Miners are increasingly targeting not only sand dunes on the beach, but also private plots, trespassing into private properties and stealing sand. This activity has become a lucrative but damaging business, involving organised groups who exploit both public and private lands for sand extraction.
Local residents, including property owners around the sand mining areas, have reported their concerns as trucks frequently knock down fences and trespass on properties to access, steal and/or extract sand. The sand is then sold to truck drivers, indicating a well-coordinated operation. This illegal trade has shown no signs of slowing down, occurring both during the day and at night, even under adverse weather conditions. Sand mining is currently banned in Gunjur, but a criminal network of operators led by one Buba (full name withheld) for now, who lives in Sambuya village continue to wreck havoc in getting sand from these affected areas by any means necessary.
On the night of July 22, 2024, six young individuals from Gunjur were arrested for illegal sand mining from an investor’s plot. Despite such arrests, the problem persists, highlighting the challenges in enforcement and regulation.
Local authorities, such as the Village Development Committee (VDC), appear constrained in their capacity to tackle the issue. When contacted for his reaction on the claim that local authorities including the Alkali, Geologyy, the police are aware of the illegal sand mining activities in Gunjur and what the VDC is doing to put a stop to the practice, Tijani Bojang, the Chairman of Gunjur VDC, told Gunjuronline that the VDC lacks the legal authority to intervene directly in stopping the illegal sand mining.
According to the Local Government Act of 2002, their role is limited to community development and that the matter is for higher authorities like the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Department of Geology, in collaboration with local law enforcement to put a stop to it.
However, the consequences of illegal sand mining in Gunjur is a concern. The indiscriminate removal of sand destabilises coastal and inland areas, leading to erosion, loss of habitats, and disruption of local ecosystems. The once-thriving forest areas are being decimated, with the 'Senya Forest' and other affected areas suffering significant losses.
Damages caused to properties and the illegal nature of the activities are causing distress among local residents. Property owners face the destruction of their lands, leading to potential losses in property value and agricultural productivity. Equally, women who largely use these affected areas are left with nowhere to farm or carry out vegetable gardening.
The unregulated nature of these mining activities poses significant safety risks, particularly with the onset of the rainy season, which could lead to dangerous conditions as trucks navigate muddy and unstable routes to the sand mines. The open pits of mines are filled with water during the rains which poses danger to children who frequent these areas in the raining season. There has been at least one death in these mines when a young boy drowned in one of the open pit mines.
The situation in Gunjur calls for urgent action from all stakeholders, including local and national government bodies. Strengthening the enforcement of existing regulations and increasing penalties for illegal mining activities could help deter future violations. Additionally, community awareness programs and the involvement of local environmental groups could play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting illegal activities.
It is imperative that authorities prioritise sustainable practices and consider the long-term environmental and economic well-being of the region over short-term gains from illegal sand mining. Without concerted efforts, the natural beauty and ecological balance of Gunjur could be irrevocably damaged.
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