By Ebrima Mbaye
In a powerful display of community pride and youth leadership, dozens of young people from Lower Fulladu West District, in partnership with National Assembly Member Hon. Gibbi Mballow, came together on Sunday to conduct a cleansing exercise at the Brikamaba “Lumo,” the weekly Saturday market. The initiative focused on enhancing hygiene and encouraging youth participation in local development efforts.
Malick M. Jallow, a key organizer of the event, emphasized the critical need for cleanliness in public spaces like markets, where food and essential goods are traded. “A place where food and other important commodities are sold should be clean and hygienic,” Jallow told The Alkamba Times. “The condition of the ‘Lumo’ area was not hygienic at all, and that inspired us to take the lead. Development starts with us, and we can’t fold our hands when faced with such conditions.”
The group mobilized support both locally and from Gambians abroad, with Hon. Mballow playing a pivotal role by donating five large trash bins and providing financial assistance. Jallow expressed gratitude to Mballow and all contributors, noting that the bins would be strategically placed around the market, with designated individuals tasked with their maintenance. He urged the youth to stay united and proactive in driving community progress.
Sulayman Baldeh, a youth leader from Sare Ngai, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, lamenting his absence from a previous clean-up. “This is our area and our constituency. It is our responsibility as a youth to ensure that it is clean,” Baldeh said, encouraging his peers to continue such efforts.
Saikou M. Fatty, coordinator of the Brikamaba Green Team Waste Management Group, praised the clean-up’s alignment with his organization’s mission. “You can see how beautiful the environment looks now—it is a plus for all of us,” Fatty remarked, commending the youth councilors for their strong turnout and dedication.
Gender activist Sarjo MS Jawo from Kerewan Samba Sira hailed the exercise as a nationwide example. “This initiative is timely—not only for Brikamaba or Lower Fulladu but for the entire country,” she said. “The Brikamaba’ Lumo’ is a trading hub for Gambians from all over.”
The clean-up not only transformed the market’s appearance but also underscored the power of youth-led action in fostering a cleaner, healthier community. Organizers and participants alike expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire further collective efforts across the region.
