Streams Turn into Sewers Overnight: Dippa Kunda Residents Expose Hidden Waste Dumping
Waste dumped at Kotu Stream © Askanwi
By Haddy Ceesay
What appears to be a clean waterway by day transforms into a dumping ground by night. In communities along the Kotu and Manjai streams, residents say their lives are being upended by clandestine waste disposal and blocked channels that turn seasonal rains into destructive floods. As The Gambia grapples with worsening environmental conditions, locals are sounding the alarm over the hidden habits that are poisoning their neighbourhoods and putting lives at risk.
“People dump waste into the streams at night,” said Mamadou Jallow, a resident of Manjai. “During the day, it looks clean, but when people sleep, others come and throw garbage. It’s devastating and unhealthy.” His account echoes the frustrations of many who live near the waterways, where informal settlements and poor drainage systems have made flooding a recurring nightmare.
Waste clogging Kotu Stream © Askanwi
The Gambia Benefits US$45 Million from WACA Project
Our research revealed that the World Bank approved US$246 million to strengthen coastal resilience in West Africa through the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA) on 15th December 2022. This is the second phase of the WACA project which aims to protect at-risk populations “from coastal erosion, flooding and pollution, and people depending on agroindustry and tourism along the coastlines in The Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau”.
The Gambia, often referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa, is grappling with mounting environmental challenges stemming from decades of poor stream management and ineffective waste disposal. Despite being surrounded by vital water systems, communities across the country continue to suffer the consequences of blocked waterways and uncontrolled flooding.
WACA Kotu Stream Project Banner © Askanwi
Although The Gambia did not benefit from Phase One of the WACA project, which started in 2018, The Gambia only became part of Phase Two of the WACA project, which started in 2023.
As part of the project, The Gambia has been allocated US$45 million under the national component of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA). Running from 2023 to 2027, the initiative targets flood-prone zones, with a particular focus on the Kotu Stream, a critical water channel stretching 11.2 kilometres from Nema Kunku to the Atlantic Ocean, covering 1,881 hectares.
As part of efforts to raise public awareness and improve environmental reporting, 25 journalists were recently trained under the WACA project. The training was organised by WACA in collaboration with the Gambia Press Union (GPU).
Following the training, journalists embarked on a field tour of key sites affected by flooding and pollution, including the Sukuta-Nema Stream, Kotu Stream, and areas surrounding BB Hotel.
Sewage outflow into stream © Askanwi
Voices from the Community
Residents living near the streams shared their experiences and frustrations, particularly during the rainy season.
“When it rains, we become very vulnerable. Water enters our houses and destroys our food and important documents. We stand in water until it stops raining. The problem is blocked waterways. Authorities should fix this and improve sanitary conditions,” said Kaddy Kaloga, a resident of Kotu.
Many households face recurring floods due to obstructed channels and indiscriminate waste dumping, which pose serious health risks.
“People dump waste into the streams at night,” said Mamadou Jallow from Dippa Kunda. He explained that “during the day, it looks clean, but when people sleep, others come and throw garbage. It’s devastating and unhealthy. If relocation becomes an option, I would welcome it. The government needs to help.”
Mamadou Jallow from Manjai © Askanwi
WACA: Over 650 Compounds Assessed
During the site visit, Abdoulie Sey, Communications Specialist for WACA, highlighted that illegal settlements along stream paths are a major contributor to the flooding crisis.
“People have built houses on natural waterways. Even without explaining, you can see where the stream is supposed to flow,” Sey noted.
“During the rainy season, water always finds its path. If you block it, it will divert into homes. These communities face serious challenges accessing their homes during floods.”
He stressed that restoring the natural flow of the streams is a top priority to reduce flooding and build resilience in low-lying areas.
Alhagie Haruna Cham, Social Development Specialist at WACA, revealed that a preliminary valuation exercise was conducted in partnership with the Department of Lands.
“We assessed over 650 compounds, classified into fully affected, partially affected, and undeveloped properties. These are spread across multiple communities. Once the feasibility design is completed, we’ll know the exact number of properties to be affected,” Cham explained.
He added that the final figures will guide decisions on resettlement and compensation.
WACA’s Abdoulie Sey © Askanwi
Building Coastal Resilience
The WACA project is part of a broader regional effort to enhance climate resilience, prevent coastal erosion, reduce flooding, and promote sustainable waste management across West African coastal nations. In The Gambia, the project is focused on safeguarding lives, property, and the environment in vulnerable communities along the Kotu Stream. In addition, it aims to restore the stream back to how it was or close to it to allow the natural flow of water making sure flood risk is mitigated.