New address system to improve air quality in The Gambia

The international project, led by Dr Victor Pouliquen, from the Department of Economics at the University of Essex, will look at the impact of introducing Google Plus Codes on the delivery of public services in Kanifing, the largest municipality in The Gambia.

Plus Codes are digital addresses based on latitude and longitude, displayed as a combination of numbers and letters. They serve as precise location markers for places without formal street addresses. According to the United Nations, up to four billion people worldwide lack access to a reliable address, posing major barriers to the successful delivery of many services.

In The Gambia, the absence of an efficient address system creates logistical challenges, particularly in ensuring reliable waste collection services. Currently, waste dumping and open burning are widespread, spreading diseases and significantly contributing to poor air quality. Air pollution is the second highest risk factor for death and disability in the country.

Working in partnership with the Kanifing Municipal Council, the research team has launched a pilot project that uses Plus Codes alongside real-time GPS tracking of waste collection trucks. This system will monitor which areas have been serviced and identify neighbourhoods where collection is either irregular or non-existent and needs to be improved.

“A non-existent postal address system has serious consequences for the wellbeing of communities, particularly when it comes to effectively delivering public services,” explained Dr Pouliquen.

“By introducing Plus Codes to create a more streamlined waste collection system, we aim to reduce illegal dumping and open burning. This will have a significant impact on improving air quality and enhancing the overall health and quality of life for residents.”

This programme will be evaluated in 2025 using household surveys and new air quality sensors deployed by the research team.