By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Gambia Police Force commenced a new and decisive phase of its road clearance operation on Wednesday, aiming to eliminate obstructions such as vendors, goods, and construction materials that compromise the safety and accessibility of public roads and highways.
In a marked shift from previous efforts, the police are taking a firmer stance to enforce compliance and maintain clear public spaces for the safety and convenience of the public.
Despite repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns, many individuals have failed to adhere to regulations, prompting the police’s decisive action. Authorities emphasized that non-compliance continues to pose a threat to public safety, disrupt traffic flow, and create unnecessary hazards for road users.
Modou Musa Sisawo, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the police, in collaboration with their partners, would exercise all lawful means to enforce compliance. He further warned that violators would face immediate eviction, the confiscation of goods found in violation of the law, and prosecution, including fines, the seizure of items, and other legal consequences.
In an interview with journalists, PRO Sisawo clarified that the operation was not aimed at targeting anyone unfairly. “The purpose of this exercise is not a witch hunt on anybody because at the end of the day, these are our mothers, sisters, aunties, and uncles. That is why I said it is not a witch hunt on anybody. But it was recognized that there is need for this, for the maintenance of peace, security, and for the environmental sanitation around the market and on the roads,” he explained.
Sisawo emphasized the importance of collective action for the benefit of the country, ensuring a conducive environment for residents to live, work, and conduct business. The police are collaborating with several partners, including the National Roads Authority, the National Environment Agency, and local councils, to support the operation.
Sisawo highlighted the severe traffic congestion caused by road blockages, noting that travel times from Brikama to Banjul, typically a 30-45 minute trip, have stretched to over an hour. He attributed this to the presence of vendors and parked vehicles along the roads, which hinder the flow of traffic and impact the country as a whole.
“And we believe that the vendors and vehicles that are parked on the road are contributing towards this, and it is affecting us as individuals and by extension it is affecting the country at large,” he said.
Upon reaching Bakoteh Fish Market, Sisawo expressed satisfaction with the progress made, particularly in encouraging vendors to vacate the highway. He praised the community’s cooperation and urged all vendors to continue adhering to regulations, emphasizing the need for a peaceful environment for them to conduct their business.
“Around Bakoteh station coming down to the market we have seen that people have moved away from the highway, and that is a very good thing. That is what we want, to collaborate, and work together. We want to encourage everybody to adhere to the regulations. At the end of the day we do not also want to be coming and causing chaos in the market, with women running anyway. They are our mothers, sisters, and aunties, and they are working towards providing food to the family. We want them to be just seated and do their business peacefully and get their money and go back and take care of the family,” he said.
Sisawo also acknowledged the efforts of the Brikama Area Council, which has been working closely with vendors to ensure compliance. He noted that the Inspector General of Police had recently visited Brikama Market, where discussions with Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe focused on addressing market issues. The chairman had committed to improving the situation, and Sisawo confirmed that efforts were underway to implement the necessary changes.
“And this is our expectation. I already got information that this morning they (Brikama area council) are actually working towards that. And for KMC, it is the same thing. Likewise, Banjul city council,” he noted.
In Serekunda, the police found construction materials obstructing the highway near the NAWEC area. PRO Sisawo called on those involved in construction to remove materials from public roads and find alternative locations for them.
“If you are constructing around the road, near the road, or anywhere, please try to find a place where you can put your sand or gravel, but not on the public road. If you already have, please, we are appealing to everybody to ensure that they remove it from the road,” he said.
The Gambia Police Force is urging all individuals and vendors occupying public spaces to vacate immediately. The force also called on cattle owners and anyone leaving animals in public areas to adhere to the directive.
This new phase of the operation will extend across the greater Banjul area, and the police have vowed to continue until their goals are fully achieved.