The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has issued a stringent warning to individuals and businesses engaged in the construction of unauthorized structures within the designated Tourism Development Area (TDA). This directive specifically targets illegal constructions along the pristine beaches and waterfronts, with the GTBoard urging immediate compliance with established regulations to avert legal repercussions.

During a comprehensive inspection tour of various sites within the TDA on Thursday, Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Ida Jeng Njie, emphasized the gravity of the situation. She highlighted that numerous developers, previously served with notices during earlier inspections, have persistently disregarded official directives and continued their construction activities despite a clear absence of the requisite approvals.

“Some of these structures were inspected three to four weeks ago, and notices were issued. Unfortunately, some individuals refused to accept the notices and even behaved aggressively towards our staff,” Ms. Njie stated, underscoring the challenges faced by enforcement teams. She further noted a significant expansion of several structures since the initial inspections, including the addition of second floors and unauthorized fencing along beachfront areas, exacerbating the problem.

The Director General expressed profound concern over the environmental impact of these unregulated constructions. She pointed out that “the fencing and unregulated construction along the coastline contribute to environmental degradation and coastal erosion.” Beyond environmental concerns, the GTBoard is also troubled by “poor sanitation and hygiene conditions at some of these illegally operated establishments,” which pose a risk to public health and the overall visitor experience.

To effectively tackle this escalating issue, DG Jeng Njie affirmed that the GTBoard would collaborate closely with pertinent government institutions. These include Physical Planning, various environmental authorities, law enforcement agencies, and specialized tourism security units. She clarified that this initiative is not adversarial, stating, “This is not a fight against anyone. We are simply asking people to follow the law. If you want to invest, come to the GTBoard, seek guidance, and obtain the necessary approvals.” She reiterated the GTBoard’s support for Gambian-owned businesses, contingent on development being conducted responsibly and legally.

Furthermore, Ms. Njie stressed that specific areas along the coastline are environmentally sensitive and inherently unsuitable for permanent structures. “There are regulations governing what can be built along the coast. Certain structures are prohibited because they increase the risk of erosion and threaten the sustainability of our tourism assets,” she explained. The GTBoard boss also raised critical concerns regarding public health, sanitation, and safety, highlighting that many illegal operations are situated in locations that fall short of acceptable environmental and hygiene standards.

“We cannot invite tourists to locations that are unhygienic, unsafe, or environmentally degraded. These areas are used not only by visitors but also by Gambians, so public health and safety must remain a priority,” she asserted. She disclosed that GTBoard inspectors have repeatedly visited disputed sites to advise developers on correct procedures, yet some operators continue to defy official directives. In response, the Tourism Board plans to intensify inspections across the entire Tourism Development Area and other tourism zones nationwide as part of its ongoing enforcement efforts.