BANJUL, Gambia (PANA, 04/07/97) - Authorities in the Greater Banjul area have introduced a scheme aimed at reducing the threats posed by the proliferation of used batteries which degrade the environment. Used and decayed batteries, which are also abundant in most African urban centres, produce chemicals which are known to cause retardation in children, thereby hampering their progress in school. Environmental authorities in the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), in the Gambian capital have erected metal containers at strategic points where people can dump used batteries. These containers are about a metre above the ground and have an accessible hole at one side. The rectangular shaped metal boxes are clearly marked "KMC Battery Disposal Bins".
    The initiative is significant and may well be the first of its kind in the sub-region. The battery collection scheme is being run by Gamworks agency and the National Environment Agency (NEA). Gamworks, which is more often referred to as AGETIP in French speaking African states, was set up by government to administer World Bank funds allocated to urban projects. According to Modou Sarr, the NEA coordinator for technical services, the batteries would later be collected from the metal boxes and transported to a final dump site. Sarr disclosed that in order to ensure greater environmental safety and security, the huge hole that serves as dump would be reinforced with internal concrete walls to hold the decomposing batteries, thereby protect neighbourhood environments. He said the site would be located away from human settlements to ensure better protection of the population against known hazards. The facility estimated to cost 109,000 dalasi (about 10,900 U.S. dollars) of which Gamworks contributed 80 percent while the NEA contributed the remaining 20 percent.
    Sarr explained the scheme was mooted by a German lady in Kololi, just outside Banjul, who first took the initiative of collecting used batteries. She solicited the assistance of school children whom she paid some money whenever they brought her used batteries collected in and around the vicinity of Kololi. Sarr said the lady succeeded in collecting a large quantity of such batteries for which no proper storage had been found. "Even the Bakoteh refuse dump was found unsuitable for the batteries, which contain dangerous chemicals such as cadium, mercury and lead," Sarr said. He said the KMC provided a shed where the batteries were temporarily stored while awaiting the final construction of the permanent facility.
    Information reaching PANA in Banjul indicate that the scheme would have far-reaching implications for the better health of the Gambian people. Expounding on the dangers of used batteries, Sarr said "small children who usually play with batteries are certainly unaware of the dangers inherent in both mercury and lead". He further indicated that lack of awareness had in the past been the main mitigating factor, preventing the required cooperation between institutions and the general public. Sarr is optimistic that with the NEA/Gamworks project firmly in place, Banjul residents will positively respond to rid their city of the harmful batteries.

Copyright 1997 Africa News Service (via Comtex). All rights reserved Lionel Williams, ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT BULLETIN: GAMBIA-BATTERIES BANJUL LAUNCHES BATTERY DISPOSAL PROGRAMME., Africa News Service, 04-08-1997. Copyright © 1998 Infonautics Corporation. All rights reserved. - Terms and Conditions