Bajiran, Burom Water Supply inaugurated, handed over

The multi-million dalasis water project for Bajiran and Burom Villages in the Kombo Central and constituency of West Coast Region was on 4 April 2011 inaugurated and officially handed over at a colourful ceremony attended by high profile delegations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adama Jarju, Project coordinator of Water Voor Gambia, said it was a great pleasure for him to witness the inauguration and handing-over ceremony of the project which he described as "a dream come true".

He urged the beneficiaries to do all they could to sustain the project, noting that there are a lot of communities struggling to have such in the communities.

Hon. Abdou F.H.S. Jarju, National Assembly for Kombo Central, said the project is a worthwhile initiative for the community, adding that he had contributed a lot to the establishment of the project because the donors were interested in promoting sports in the community and encouraged them to provide water supply to the community.

Hon. Jarju, a native of Marakisa, added that the people of Bajiran deserved to be commended because "they are always willing to help when the people of Marakisa need their services".

He says he has no doubt that the beneficiaries will take care of the project, noting that the project "is here to stay".

Ms Fatou Sanyang, Deputy Governor of West Coast Region, said: "We are grateful to everybody who has contributed to the project in one way or the other."

She also thanked the President of The Gambia, who, she said, is always ready to provide the enabling environment for development to take place in the country.

Yusupha Jatta, Deputy Manager of PEGEP, said: "This is the most precious gift a community can have; we cannot do without water." He urged everyone to take ownership of the project.

Ebrima Kujabi, Ward Counsellor for Giboro Ward, said they were very grateful, adding that The Gambia stands on three legs: Agriculture, Health and Education. "These things cannot go without water," she said.

Pap Manneh, a community member, thanked everybody that contributed to making the project a success. The project will be taken care of, he said, adding:  "If you come back here in the next 20 years you will still find this project here."

He appealed for the construction of a health post, and a school, as well as for farming materials, and a proper road network.

Other speakers on the occasion included Mr Hans, Project Manager of  Water Voor Gambia in Holland;  Mr Bass, Chairman of Water Voor Gambia in Holland,  and Mariatou Badjie, who spoke on behalf of the women of the community, and Lamin Jarju, Ward Counsellor for Marakisa Ward, who delivered the vote of thanks.