Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has voiced strong concerns about the growing threat of sand mining in Banjul, warning that the practice poses serious risks to the city’s environment, economy, and future sustainability. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Taranga FM, the Mayor emphasized that unchecked sand mining is eroding Banjul’s fragile coastline and undermining efforts to protect the capital from climate change.
Mayor Lowe explained that sand mining not only accelerates coastal erosion but also increases the risk of flooding, threatening homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. “We cannot afford to ignore the dangers of sand mining. It is destroying our natural defenses and putting the lives of our people at risk,” she said.
She further noted that the practice jeopardizes fishing and tourism, two vital sectors for the Gambian economy. Communities that depend on the coastal ecosystem are already feeling the impact, with reduced fish catches and damaged beaches.
The Mayor called for stricter regulation and transparency in the issuance of sand mining permits, stressing that illegal operations undermine city planning and sustainable development. She urged Gambians to hold stakeholders accountable and support policies that prioritize environmental protection.
Mayor Lowe also linked the issue to her broader agenda of advancing climate action and sustainable urban development. As the first female mayor of Banjul and President of REFELA (Network of Local Elected Women of Africa), she has consistently championed women’s leadership in tackling environmental challenges.
Her remarks on Taranga FM highlight the urgency of addressing sand mining as part of a wider strategy to safeguard Banjul against rising sea levels and climate-related disasters.
