The ceremony, held Friday, marked a significant milestone in efforts to improve access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across the country.
The vehicles, procured under Component 6 of the GIRAV Project with a budget of USD 23 million, are expected to enhance NAWEC’s mobility and service delivery nationwide. For communities in rural and peri-urban areas, where access to clean water and sanitation remains a challenge, the improved logistical capacity will allow NAWEC teams to respond faster to breakdowns, monitor water quality more effectively, and expand sanitation programs.
Welcoming guests at the handover, Mr. Sarjo Marena, Financial Controller of the GIRAV Project, described the donation as “timely and strategic,” underscoring NAWEC’s role as a key implementation partner in ensuring that development interventions reach the grassroots.
Dr. Mamor Alieu Jagne, Coordinator of the Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU), hailed the event as a “momentous occasion.” He explained that the vehicles are part of a broader collaboration between GIRAV and NAWEC, which includes the nationwide rollout of smart meters. These meters are designed to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and ensure greater accountability in water and electricity usage.
Dr. Jagne emphasised that strengthening NAWEC’s operational capacity is not only about infrastructure but also about resilience. “These vehicles will facilitate field operations, improve water quality monitoring, and strengthen sanitation programs,” he said, adding that the partnership reflects GIRAV’s commitment to building inclusive and resilient systems that benefit both urban and rural communities.
Receiving the vehicles, Mr. Momodou Lamin Sompo Ceesay, Deputy Managing Director of NAWEC, expressed gratitude to GIRAV for its continued support. He highlighted key milestones already achieved through the partnership, including the construction of a new water treatment plant in Bansang and the introduction of smart meters in provincial communities.
Mr. Ceesay noted that these interventions will soon expand to Basse, Farafenni, Soma, and other regions, significantly boosting NAWEC’s operational efficiency. “The increased mobility provided by these vehicles will directly enhance our capacity to serve the Gambian public more effectively,” he affirmed.
According to him, the handover ceremony reflects a growing recognition that access to clean water and reliable electricity is central to both agricultural productivity and community well-being. "By linking agricultural value chain development with utility support, GIRAV is demonstrating that resilience requires integrated solutions".
For NAWEC, the vehicles represent more than just transport they are tools for transformation. With improved mobility, the company can extend its reach, strengthen its monitoring systems, and ensure that communities across The Gambia benefit from reliable WASH services.
As the country continues to grapple with climate challenges and rising demand for essential services, partnerships like that between GIRAV and NAWEC offer a model for sustainable development one that combines infrastructure, technology, and human capacity to deliver lasting impact.
