This initiative directly addresses one of the most pressing issues that the villagers had been grappling with over decades.
Despite Refala’s efforts to initiate numerous water projects across the country, particularly in rural communities, many people are still grappling with severe water shortage. This ongoing crisis has profoundly impacted their daily lives and livelihoods, as access to clean water is fundamental to their health, agricultural activities, and overall well-being.
Officials announced that the new heavy-duty borehole aims to serve not only the beneficiary community but also several neighbouring villages. This initiative is expected to significantly alleviate water scarcity, fostering better sanitation, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the area.
Officials revealed that the newly constructed borehole is dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Anwar Bibi Dar, a passionate advocate for the empowerment of women and girls within society. Mrs. Dar was the beloved mother of Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. Her legacy lives on through this vital resource, which honours her commitment to improving the lives of women.
The borehole is expected to provide the community with access to clean and potable drinking water, bringing much-needed relief to residents, especially the women farmers who will greatly benefit in supporting their gardens and agricultural activities. This access to water is not just about nourishment; it represents an essential boost to their livelihoods and overall well-being.
The inauguration of the borehole drew esteemed guests from surrounding villages who came to rejoice with the Wellingara community, now the proud custodians of this life-giving resource. The event underscored the critical importance of water accessibility, particularly for women, aligning with one of Refala’s key priorities and the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The community of Wellingara expressed profound gratitude and a strong commitment to the maintenance and preservation of the borehole, illustrating their recognition of its significance.
In her remarks, Roheyatou Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul City Council (BCC) and current president of Refala, emphasised the monumental role that clean and safe drinking water plays in enhancing the quality of life. She stated: “I want to sincerely thank our partner, brother, and friend who is unwaveringly devoted to supporting the women of The Gambia through vital water projects, as well as all other partners dedicated to our water for women campaign.”
Lowe further expressed her heartfelt appreciation, saying: “On behalf of the Refala Executive, I extend my deepest gratitude to the community of Wellingara and all the dedicated volunteers involved in this programme. Your efforts are truly commendable, and I am profoundly grateful for your commitment.”
Fatoumatta Jallow, a resident of the village, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their generous support in addressing a critical issue that has long plagued the community. She stated: “The women of our village have faced immense challenges in accessing clean and reliable water sources, which significantly hampers their ability to engage in gardening and other essential activities. This lack of access not only affects their livelihoods but also impacts our community's overall wellbeing. We are truly thankful for the assistance, as it will empower us to cultivate our gardens more effectively and improve our quality of life.”
