Solid and Liquid Waste in Manjai-Kotu: A Potential Source of Energy for Agriculture and Households in the Serekunda Area (The Gambia)

Abstract

Due to rapid population growth and economic activity, disposal of solid and liquid waste has become a major problem in and around Serekunda (Gambia). The solid waste collected in the Kanifing Municipal Council, which is the most densely populated municipality in the Gambia, is dumped openly on the Kotu landfill site. The only technique used to dispose of this waste at the site is open burning. As for the liquid waste collected in households and industries, it is discharged in open air at several sites and in rivers. All of this constitutes a significant environmental and health hazard. They are sources of air, soil and groundwater pollution, and acute respiratory infections (AIRs). Despite this, no recycling technique for this waste, which is concerned with the environment and human well-being, has been developed by the Gambian Government so far. However, this waste can be renewed and used as energy in several areas, including agriculture and households. This study, carried out as part of the research themes of the West African Institute for Research and Development (WARDI), aims to identify technologies that can be used to recycle waste for irrigation, compost, and energy.