The Basse Area Council (BSAC) has launched a major clearance operation targeting illegal dumping sites in Basse, beginning with a site in MSK, after years of environmental concerns.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Council provided logistical support worth more than D25,000 in fuel to power heavy-duty machinery and trucks for the exercise. The operation follows repeated attempts to address indiscriminate waste disposal, which has long posed health and environmental hazards in the area.
The cleanup is being undertaken in collaboration with the National Roads Authority (NRA), which has committed to supplying the necessary equipment, while BSAC covers operational costs. Over the past 24 hours alone, the Council has supplied more than 300 litres of fuel for the work.
According to BSAC Public Relations Officer Foday Manneh, the initiative is part of the Council’s broader 2025–2029 development plan, which prioritises waste management.
“Waste management remains a top strategic priority for the Council,” Manneh said. “Despite our resource constraints, we are determined to clear illegal dumping sites and introduce sustainable solutions that benefit the whole region.”
Efforts to secure equipment earlier this year from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) stalled due to high logistical costs, prompting the Council to seek alternative partners.
“We engaged NDMA in April, but their invoice was beyond our budget,” Manneh explained. “We didn’t give up. We reached out to other institutions, and the NRA’s support has allowed us to finally get this work underway.”
Beyond site clearance, BSAC is pursuing long-term solutions, including a waste-to-gas recycling project for the Upper River Region. The pilot phase is expected to launch within two to three months, depending on the arrival of equipment. The Council showcased this initiative at a global forum in South Africa in June.
The Council has also engaged the National Environment Agency to explore permanent solutions for notorious dumping locations, such as the Basse High Level site. Plans are underway to introduce and enforce by-laws against individuals who fail to comply with waste disposal regulations.
“We want to ensure this isn’t just a one-time cleanup,” Manneh added. “Our goal is to transform how waste is managed in Basse and turn a long-standing challenge into an opportunity for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable community.”
