The Asturian Agency Development Cooperation (Spain) financially supported the project to ease the burden of women and children of the community fetching water from deep water wells daily and contribute to improve the rate of waterborne diseases and sanitation in the community.
The water supply is also facilitated by the Department of Water Resources of the Government of The Gambia.
Abdul R. Bangura, the managing director for Asturies for Africa Association, described access to clean water supply as not only a basic human right but also a sustainable economic development.
Mr Bangura added that his association has supported successful projects across the country including infrastructural developments in schools and major health facilities. “This borehole is our 10th across the country,” he revealed.
He described the day as a moment of joy to all stakeholders, especially women and children of the community.
He went on to say that the improvement of water quality will help to reduce infant mortality rate and also improve the well-being of animals at the community.
“This project will also see the reduction of time spent on water drawing labor in wells which will promote women’s and children's participation in society and especially help children to ensure more hours are spent on their studies,” he also said.
He expressed their readiness to continue to collaborate with the community for future projects.
Lamin Mai Touray, director & permanent representative of The Gambia with World Meteorological Organisation, Department of Water Resources, described the borehole inauguration as in line with the policy of the government of Adama Barrow to increase access to clean and safe drinking water for rural communities as enshrined in the Refocused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2024-2028).
He thanked the Asturian Agency for Development Cooperation in Spain through Asturies for Africa Association for complementing government’s effort in providing safe drinking water for the community of Madina Manneh village.
Director Touray admitted that despite the efforts made so far in the water resources sub-sector, the current demand for water supply facilities in the rural areas still over weighs the supply.
He advised the community of Madina Manneh village to introduce a minimum user charges/fees that can be agreed unanimously to carry out any future repair works on the system to ensure its sustainability.
He further advised them to consider establishing a strong water committee and open a bank account where the funds collected can be saved.
Dembo Samateh, deputy governor of North Bank Region, said he has presided over a lot of borehole openings within the region, while describing the Madina Manneh one as special.
He commended Director Touray for his foresight, vision, commitment and dedication to serving people of The Gambia.
Alieu Tunkara, in deputising for the Village Development Committee (VDC) chairman, said “access to clean water is not just a basic human need; it is a fundamental human right,” he said.
He added that millions of people around the world, particularly in Africa, continue to face the daily struggle of obtaining potable water for themselves and their families.”
He described the project as more than just infrastructure, saying “it symbolises empowerment, dignity, and resilience for the community it serves.”
“With reliable access to clean water, children can attend school instead of walking miles to fetch water. Women can pursue economic opportunities instead of spending hours each day on water collection. And families can thrive, knowing that their health and well-being are safeguarded,” Mr Tunkara pointed out.
Amadou Jallow, in his remarks on behalf of Madina Manneh alkalo thanked Asturies for Africa Association for their enthusiasm and firm support.
He stated that human survival is dependent on water, adding that the people of Medina Manneh will be able to enjoy a better life with such amenity in every house now being possible with this new Water Supply System.
He expressed confidence that the water supply system will ensure not only easy access to water, but an efficient and a regular water supply system for the whole community.
