Lamin Kaba Bajo, the Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters on Tuesday 3rd August 2010 officially inaugurated and handed over a solar-powered water supply systems to the villages of Bonto and Berending, on behalf of President Jammeh.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bajo said the solar-powered water supply system comes to the government of The Gambia, through the European Union.
He also expressed appreciation to the European Union not only for their current assistance, but for the support they have provided to the country over the years, adding that this is a partnership which has benefited many, especially the poorer section of the community.
Hon. Bajo also stated that within the water sector alone, the European Commission has provided The Gambia with the resources to construct water supply systems in 431 villages throughout the country, of which 340 are village wells, equipped with hand pumps and solar powered water supply system in 91 large villages.
He stated that "despite our past efforts and the major contributions of our development partners, notably the EU, a significant minority of our population still do not have a satisfactory supply of potable water."
According to him, looking at the magnitude of the project and the impact it will have on the lives of the people of The Gambia, the EU deserves commendation for its support to the sector.
He commended all those who have in one way or the other contributed to the success of the project.
Other speakers included Dr. Momodou Tangara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sunkaru Badjie, the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Western Region, Bernard Gomez, the Assistant Director of Department of Water Resource, Hellene Cave, the EU Charge D'affairs in The Gambia.