Africazine:
The Gambia is taking significant steps to protect its environment by enhancing border controls on refrigerants.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has handed over advanced refrigerant identifiers to the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA). This initiative aims to strengthen the detection of prohibited and falsely declared refrigerants at the country’s borders, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
NEA and GRA Collaborate for Environmental Protection
The handover ceremony took place at the NEA headquarters, gathering officials from NEA, GRA, the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), and media representatives. Dr. Dawda Badjie, Executive Director of NEA, emphasized the importance of this equipment in enhancing The Gambia’s ability to identify refrigerants and controlled substances entering the country.
Dr. Badjie highlighted that customs officers will now have the tools needed to verify the contents of refrigerant cylinders, ensuring compliance with regulations. He warned that the appearance of a cylinder does not guarantee its contents are genuine, stressing the need for practical use of the identifiers at border points.
The Role of Customs in Environmental Safeguarding
Commissioner of Customs and Excise at GRA, Alhagie Mbye, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to environmental protection through effective border controls. He noted that GRA’s mandate extends beyond revenue collection to include safeguarding public health and the environment.
Mbye assured that the new equipment will enhance customs officers’ abilities to verify refrigerant declarations and enforce environmental regulations. He emphasized the importance of ongoing training and technical support to maximize the benefits of the new identifiers.
Next Steps for Implementation
- Deploy the refrigerant identifiers at border points.
- Train customs officers on the operation and maintenance of the devices.
- Ensure ongoing cooperation between NEA and GRA.
- Conduct regular evaluations of the equipment’s effectiveness.
The Gambia is committed to protecting its environment through enhanced border controls on refrigerants.
