With the increasing use of technology and industries flourishing, the amount of pollution in our environment is increasing at a rapid pace. Therefore, keeping our environment clean is very important; so that the environment is well preserved for future generations. Water pollution and litter are considered to be two of the main causes of environmental health harzards.

In their contribution to keep the environment clean, the young people of the Old Jeshwang Volleyball Clubconducted a voluntary cleaning exercise on the road that linked the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) with the Old Jeshwang Hospital, last Saturday. The road has been used as a dumping site for a long time.     

We must understand that our lives depend on it. With poor air and water quality, comes poor soil and poor food quality. Bad food quality means no nutrients and this leads to disease and our body stops functioning. It is also important for the sake of the animals. Animals affect our lives as well.

Keeping the environment clean is also for future generations and respect for all living creatures. We are all connected, and we are all one.

It is already proven human technology, pollution (air, land and water) are all contributing to severe weather changes such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

The councilor of Old Jeshwang Ward Sherriff Sarr said the cleaning exercise is a worthy initiative that will go a long way in promoting health. He explained that the area has been used as an illegal dumping site and that as the rainy season approaches, they came together to discuss and came with this initiative. He advised them to keep up the momentum, remain focus and close ranks for the way forward of the club.

Lamin Jarju, public relations officer of the club noted that the club was formed some eleven years ago by their elders and that they took it from their elders. “Weregistered in 2008 at the national league competion and in that year we won the championship,” he informed He stated that they came up with the cleaning adding that the community has been behind them in whatever they are doing, supporting them financially and watching their matches. “We think we have lot to contribute towards our community as youths” he stated. 

Sohna Amie Jobe, resident of Old Jeshwang, described the members of the Volleyball Club as patriotic citizens, saying the clean-up excercisewould help nursing mothers, students and other road users avoid the air polution that have been caused by the rubbish.