A team of waste management experts from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) recently visited The Gambia to join WasteAid’s support of Operation Sanity – a local environmental initiative.
The seven-day technical support visit aimed to bolster local capacity, share best practices, and develop sustainable solutions to pressing sanitation challenges in the region.
Operation Sanity is a collaborative project with Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), focused on reducing littering, improper waste disposal, and improving public sanitation through education and community engagement.
The initiative seeks to foster a circular economy by encouraging responsible waste management practices among residents and local authorities.
During their visit, CIWM members joined the WasteAid team in conducting site assessments, facilitating workshops with council waste management teams, and engaged in networking with the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network, which is supported by funding from CIWM.
Reflecting on the visit, CIWM CEO, Sarah Poulter, said: “Sustainable waste management is a shared global responsibility, and through harnessing our extensive network of waste management professionals, CIWM is committed to informing and empowering local professionals to develop waste management models that are not only safe and effective but also prioritise resource recovery.
“In doing so, we can help to develop a more circular economy and move towards a world beyond waste.”
As part of the visit, the team visited Bakoteh Dumpsite, a landfill which handles 300-400 tonnes of waste per day, and has long been a concern for environmental, social, and public health.
The team reported observing recycling efforts carried out by informal scavengers working on-site, many of whom recover valuable materials such as metals, plastics, and cardboard to make a modest living.
While these efforts are somewhat effective, there are still huge challenges to overcome regarding health and safety conditions.
The delegation was hosted by Kanifing Municipal Council for a series of discussions and workshops. During these workshops, the team from CIWM presented on behavior change campaigns, standard operating procedures, community engagement, and stakeholder mapping.
Ceris Turner-Bailes, Chief Executive of WasteAid, commented: “This visit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with CIWM. Operation Sanity is about more than waste – it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity.
“By combining technical expertise with local insights, we are working together to build a cleaner, safer future for the people of the Greater Banjul Area.”
The CIWM delegation included Sarah Burns, Sustainability & Engagement Manager at Bristol Waste Company; Neil Thompson, Senior Associate in Waste and Resource Management at Mott MacDonald; John Paterson, CEO of Scottish Canals; and Bonni Jee, Principal Advisor for Waste and Recycling at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).
