Triad Global Inc, a US-based company, yesterday donated five water filtration machines to the Gambia Women’s Bureau at a ceremony held at the market place of Gambian women in Brusubi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ida Faye Hydara, executive director of Women’s Bureau, on behalf of Vice President and Minister of Women Affairs Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, welcomed their partners from America and Nigeria.
She said the donation would go a long way in complementing government’s efforts in providing safe and clean drinking water for all Gambians.
Madam Hydara added that the association was formed to address major issues concerning women groups such as market constraints, mechanization and other needs.
The donated machines will be put into good use for women and their families to have safe drinking water, she said.
Gene Atkinson, president and CEO of Triad Global Inc, said The Gambia is not an exception in Africa for trying to have safe drinking water.
No matter where water comes from, he says, it is important to filter it before drinking it.
The United Nations in 2010 met and discussed the fundamental right for everyone to have access to safe drinking water, he said, adding that people must be guaranteed to have safe drinking water.
According to him, if the machines are taken good care of, they can last for over 10 years and can provide 10,000 liters of water a day.
“1000 people can have each 10 liters of water coming out of the machine a day,” he said.
National Assembly deputy speaker Fatou Mbye said they were overwhelmed by the gesture.
She also said they “really appreciate” the gesture and expressed hope in benefitting from more in the near future through having safe drinking water for all Gambians.
Gambia Women Federation President Fatoumata Jah, in her remarks on the occasion, said|: “We cannot achieve the MDGs without safe drinking water.”
