By: Mamadou S Gagigo
TAF Africa Global unveiled its ambitious “TAF Green” initiative at a press conference held at Madiba Mall, addressing the recent uproar over the felling of over 100 Kumpo trees along Brufut Gardens Road. The initiative signals the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability amid public outcry over the deforestation incident.
CEO Mustapha Njie expressed profound regret over the tree-cutting, which sparked widespread criticism. “I was sent photographs from right here in Brufut Gardens—images of mature, beautiful trees that had stood for over twenty years, providing life, shade, and beauty, cut down and lying lifeless on the ground,” Njie said, visibly moved. “Words cannot describe the sadness and disappointment I feel.” He underscored the devastating impacts of deforestation, including climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and rising urban heat. “We must be clear about what is lost when we cut down a tree,” he added.
The “TAF Green” initiative is the company’s response to these concerns, doubling its previous environmental pledge by committing to plant ten trees for every house constructed. This ambitious plan aligns with TAF Africa Global’s broader goal of planting ten million trees across Africa by the time it builds one million homes. The initiative aims to reduce the company’s environmental footprint and foster green development in The Gambia and beyond.
The tree-cutting incident, which occurred during infrastructure work, was attributed to a miscommunication by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC). Buba Badjie, NAWEC’s Communication Officer, expressed regret, stating, “What happened is unfortunate, and we wish it had not occurred in this manner.” He clarified that the action was taken for safety reasons but admitted, “The weight and manner in which it was done was not correct.” Badjie pledged NAWEC’s cooperation with TAF Africa Global to prevent future mishaps and emphasized balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
The “TAF Green” initiative has been hailed as a significant step toward sustainable development in The Gambia. By integrating environmental responsibility into its operations, TAF Africa Global aims to set a precedent for other developers in the region. The company’s leadership called for collective action, including stronger environmental laws, sustainability integration, and community engagement, to protect The Gambia’s natural heritage.
As TAF Africa Global expands its footprint across Africa, the “TAF Green” initiative is expected to mitigate environmental harm and enhance community well-being. The company’s proactive stance has sparked hope among environmentalists and residents alike, who see it as a model for balancing development with ecological preservation. With plans to plant millions of trees, TAF Africa Global is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable real estate, addressing the pressing challenges of deforestation and climate change while fostering greener communities for future generations.
