Vendors at Palma Rima Beach have voiced serious concerns over the increasing number of used condoms being carelessly discarded in and around the beach.
The issue, they say, is most prominent on Sundays, when large numbers of young people gather at the popular coastal spot.
One vendor, who requested anonymity, wrote in a WhatsApp message to What’s On-Gambia: “Please talk to the young boys and girls to stop having sex on the beach. The beach is now littered with condoms and semen.”
He noted that the problem has worsened in recent weeks and fears it may escalate further during the rainy season, as schools take a break, bringing more young visitors to the beach.
The vendor also recounted an incident from Sunday night, when he caught a young couple engaging in sexual activity. He quickly reported the matter to police officers patrolling the beach. While the couple was not arrested, they were given a stern warning.
Efforts to reach the Gambia Tourism Board for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.