The project, which provides regular supply of safe and potable water for villagers and their livestock, is part of 3 other boreholes donated by the bank as part of its corporate social responsibility interventions.
In his handing-over statement, GTBank Executive Director Mr Attah Daniels said from the time of its establishment 22 years ago, GTBank Gambia had through its Corporate Social Responsibility, supported communities and public institutions in the areas of health, education, sports and culture.
He said giving back to the communities had not only become a norm for the bank, but it had also become a culture. He thanked the government and people of The Gambia for their patronage, noting that the Bank will continue to plough back part of its profit in support of local communities and institutions.
Attah Daniels explained that the Bank in November 2023 donated a similar water project to the community of Lowen in Niumi and that another project is in the offing in Kiang, Lower River Region.
Chief Ali Nyassi of Foni Kansala said the Water borehole marked a significant milestone for the community of Ballen and that it would significantly improve their quality of life in the village.
Chief Ali Nyassi praised GTBank for its pivotal role in the development of the country, and encouraged beneficiary villagers to set up a management committee to ensure the durability of the facility.
Lady councillor Mrs Kaddy Badjie said it was her dream to make safe and potable drinking water available to the people of Foni Kansala.
She noted that for the bank to make available pipe-borne water to the people of Ballen was a dream come true. She urged the women of Ballen to take ownership of the borehole and ensure its sustenance.
In his welcome remarks, the Alkalo of Ballen village, Ebrima Solo Bojang, underscored the importance of water in life, saying the new borehole would significantly end years of drudgery endured by women and children in accessing potable drinking water.
Speaking on behalf of the women of Ballen, Sarjo Badjie hailed the water project, describing it as a life-changing scheme for the community.
Outlining the impact of the project, Sarjo said: “No woman in Ballen is struggling for water in the community; all households have taps and some women are currently engaged in vegetable production.”
Sarjo added that the village was self-sufficient in vegetables and even sell to their neighbours, which has increased household income.
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