Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs has issued an immediate suspension on all development activities within the ecologically sensitive Cape Point wetland area. This directive comes after repeated unauthorized construction in the protected area, despite an initial warning issued in May, according to the Ministry of Lands.

The wetland at Cape Point has been designated as ecologically critical due to its unique environmental value, serving as a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Unauthorized activities in this area, the Ministry stated, threaten the ecosystem’s long-term viability, which could have severe implications for biodiversity and environmental sustainability in the region.

In a decisive response, the Ministry has assembled a specialized task force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the extent of these violations. The task force will assess adherence to environmental regulations and evaluate the impact of the unauthorized developments on the wetland ecosystem.

“All ongoing construction or development activities within the wetland area must cease immediately,” the Ministry declared, warning that any disregard for this directive will lead to “severe penalties, including legal action and the forced removal of unauthorized structures, with the offenders responsible for the associated costs.”

The Ministry emphasized its firm commitment to preserving The Gambia’s natural resources, stressing that this action represents a final warning. Any further breaches of environmental regulations in the Cape Point wetland will result in strict enforcement measures.

With this suspension and investigation underway, the Ministry aims to ensure compliance with land management policies and protect one of the nation’s critical ecosystems from irreversible harm.