Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A team of waste management experts from the UK-based Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has completed a seven-day technical support mission to The Gambia, joining forces with environmental charity WasteAid to support “Operation Sanity“—a local initiative targeting improved waste management and sanitation.
The visit focused on enhancing local capacity, sharing best practices, and co-developing sustainable waste solutions with Gambian stakeholders.
Operation Sanity is a joint effort with the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) that aims to tackle littering and poor waste disposal while promoting public hygiene through community education and engagement.
CIWM experts conducted on-site assessments, held workshops with KMC waste management staff, and networked with members of the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network—an initiative supported by CIWM funding.
They also visited the Bakoteh Dumpsite, a landfill processing 300 to 400 tonnes of waste daily, where they observed informal recycling efforts by local scavengers who collect and resell valuable materials such as metals, plastics, and cardboard.
CIWM CEO Sarah Poulter emphasized the global relevance of the mission, stating, “Sustainable waste management is a shared global responsibility. By empowering local professionals with knowledge and practical tools, we help build safe and effective models that also promote resource recovery and circular economy principles.”
The workshops facilitated by CIWM covered a range of topics, including behavior change strategies, standard operating procedures, stakeholder mapping, and community-driven sanitation campaigns. The sessions were designed to build long-term institutional knowledge and improve service delivery.
Ceris Turner-Bailes, Chief Executive of WasteAid, hailed the visit as a “significant milestone” in the partnership with CIWM. “Operation Sanity is about more than waste—it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity. We are combining technical expertise with local insights to create a cleaner, safer future for communities in the Greater Banjul Area,” she said.
The visiting CIWM delegation included Sarah Burns of Bristol Waste Company, Neil Thompson of Mott MacDonald, John Paterson of Scottish Canals, and Bonni Jee from the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), bringing a wide spectrum of international expertise to The Gambia’s sanitation efforts.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition of the need for local-global partnerships to address the mounting waste crisis and promote environmental sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions.
