By: Abdou Darboe
Residents of Lower Saloum District turned out in large numbers on Saturday, 23 November 2025, for a major community clean-up (“Set-Setal”) at Kaur Health Centre, in preparation for a three-day free medical screening and consultation programme scheduled for 28–30 November.
The health outreach, organised by the Kaur Health Team in partnership with the Chosan Medical Team, will bring 38 specialist healthcare professionals – including doctors, dentists, gynaecologists, nurses and pharmacists – to the district. Thirteen of the medical personnel are natives of Lower Saloum returning home to give back to their communities.
Speaking during the exercise, Alkalo of Kaur Janneh Kunda, Lamin Naaba Janneh, explained that the clean-up was essential to create a safe and welcoming environment for the visiting medical team.
“We want to sanitise the entire health centre premises, clear tall grass that harbours snakes, mosquitoes, and other reptiles, and ensure free movement for patients and staff,” he told Alkamba Times.
Alkalo Mustapha Njie of Kaur Wharf Town noted that overgrown vegetation had made parts of the facility almost inaccessible. The clean-up drive began last week after Chief of Lower Saloum, Ali Gaye Touray, issued a district-wide call for every community to participate.
Councillor Musa Bah, who also serves as Vice-Chairperson of Kuntaur Area Council, stressed that a clean environment is fundamental to good health. “For there to be good health, there must be a healthy environment. It is our duty as citizens to keep public spaces clean,” he said, revealing that schools and mosques will be targeted next.
Despite the impressive turnout, some residents were absent due to ongoing groundnut winnowing, according to Eliman Bah, Alkalo of Nema City. Lower Saloum comprises around 60 communities, 40 of which fall within Kaur Ward.
Mustapha S. Cham, Chairman of Kaur Wharf Town Village Development Committee, urged youth to actively engage in community service and called for a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Chief, National Assembly Member Hon. Sainey Jawara, Area Council Chairman Hon. Saikou Jawara, ward councillors, and alkalos to tackle persistent local challenges.
Chief Ali Gaye Touray praised the community’s response, describing the exercise as a timely measure that will also reduce the risk of fire outbreaks at the health facility. He announced that the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) camp commander in Kaur has been requested to mobilise personnel for next Sunday’s follow-up clean-up to complete the work.
The upcoming medical camp will offer free consultations, diagnoses, and prescriptions to all residents of Lower Saloum, marking one of the most significant health interventions the district has received in recent years.
