THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS & INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA The NEA has been implementing measures for scientific and effective disposal of waste locally produced. These measures include, inter alia, identification of waste disposal sites in all regions of the country, the introduction of a permitting system for private waste collectors and those entities engaged in processes resulting in waste disposal into the environment, mapping and documentation of all illegal dumpsites in the country, particularly those situation within water ways and have potential for floods. It is also noteworthy to state that the country, through collaboration with international partners under the framework of Basel Convention undertook a national cleanup of obsolete pesticides and chemicals for shipment abroad to be destroyed in 1999. Also, courtesy of similar international collaboration, all major health facilities benefited from a scheme that provided incinerators to address the issue of medical waste. Although The Gambia does not manufacture pesticides or chemicals they are imported and used in reasonably large quantities mainly by the agricultural sector. The challenge faced by the NEA is the prevalence of large quantities of obsolete stock, which can only be addressed through collaboration with international partners as highlighted in the case of the national cleanup of obsolete pesticides and chemicals under the Basel Convention. Notwithstanding, the NEA ensures regular monitoring and where necessary, confiscate obsolete products and bring them to a central storage facility to avoid associated risks. The permitting system on waste producing entities as well as private collectors continues. Capacity building programmes for the stakeholder institutions, especially local councils are also ongoing. The Councils are being encouraged to come up with their own waste management strategy to address the unique realities in their respective area. In addition to the instituted permitting system, the NEA ensures that projects with potential environmental impacts, including waste, undergo a rigorous environmental study and obtain approval prior to implementation. For efficiency and effectiveness, The Gambia is working on an overarching legal framework specifically on waste management in the Draft Waste Bill. The Government of The Gambia, through NEA has set apart certain days, commonly referred to as “Set Settal” on which it is mandatory, that members of every household must clean their environment. This is to encourage the society to be conscious of their duty of maintaining, a clean and healthy environment. 116