About 30 officers from the Guard Battalion of the Fajara Military Barracks, yesterday embarked on a major cleansing exercise along the President's Award Scheme Highway in Bakau.

Acting under the instruction of Lt. Colonel Lamin Bojang, commanding officer of the Battalion, the said soldiers started the exercise outside the fence of Shyben Madi Wrestling Arena, towards the main gates of the Friendship Hostel of the Independence Stadium, thus giving the area a new look.

Speaking to the Daily Observer at the scene, Lt. Alkali Dibba, on behalf of his commander, said the exercise was a complement to the monthly cleansing exercise referred to as 'operation clean the nation' initiated by President Jammeh, which aims at making the country a healthy planet.

"As soldiers we attach a lot of importance to a clean and healthy environment and this is not the first time for our unit to embark on such an exercise".

He added "Each time our boss Lt. Col. Bojang passes anywhere and see the need for us to clean the area he issues directions to that effect.  As soldiers I think we should be at the forefront of such initiatives", he stressed.

Lt. Dibba then expressed their willingness to embark upon such exercises anywhere if the need arises, saying "Even if the Daily Observer need us to clean their area we will be happy to do it".