IN THE MAIDEN NATIONAL CLEANSING DAY EXERCISE
“We are committed and proud to give back to the communities we all come from as an olive token in improving their livelihood support systems”. The Chief Defence Staff (CDS) Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Masanneh N Kinteh noted this while partaking in the maiden National Cleansing Day Exercise formerly known as Operation Clean the Nation. The event took place on the 29th of July 2017.
CDS Kinteh contended that the move would help in consolidating the existing Civil-Military relationship and equally improve the cleanliness of the environment noting that the activities will improve the solid waste management in The Gambia. he added that this will prevent potential negative impacts to human health and the environment, taking into account The Gambia’s socio-economic settings. He said that the Armed Forces is a professional and a discipline force that will not only render defence and military support to the nation, but they are also committed in rendering humanitarian and relief support to the civilian population. He posited that GAF will ensure that it participates in creating an environment that is friendly to people and their communities. General Kinteh stressed out that his men all over the country, Farafenni, Basse, Kudang as well as those in the Kombos took an active part in the cleansing exercise. This was evident in areas such as Kairaba Avenue and the West Field-Brikama Highway where soldiers came out in their multitude to clean the environment. Present at the event were senior military officers who did not only sit and watch their juniors do the work but actively took a leading role in the exercise.
Author: Ssgt Marong LS
