The management of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) and the West Coast Region Disaster Management Office Wednesday embarked on a massive clean up of all the drainages in Brikama ahead of the coming rainy season.

The drainages in Brikama have been in deplorable condition, with people indiscriminately dumping wastes on them. Ground movement or traffic also sometimes cause cracks in the drainage system. If these cracks are not repaired on time, contaminated water leaks into the soil, polluting the soil and ground water. It also releases a foul smell that could pose a health hazard.

The senior administrative and public relations officer of the BAC, Modou Jonga urged people to stop dumping waste into gutters, saying the Council will prosecute whoever is doing so.

Sereign Modou Joof, the WCR disaster management coordinator explained that the implementation of the initiative is part of his office's strategic plan for this year. He said disasters are not only about preparedness, but also involves response. He observed that the cleansing of the drainage systems will help to reduce both the Council and his office’s expenditure on disaster related issues. “We are here not only to give relief, but also to prevent,” he added.

He asserted that 95% of disasters is caused by man, and called on Gambians, particularly the people of WCR to endeavour to keep the drainages clean and protected.

On his part, Sanna Bojang, the disaster focal person for Kombo Central said the two sides decided to clean the drainages in order to enable water flow freely.