Australian-Funded Borehole ends years of water crisis in Jiboroh Kuta

The borehole, which cost D145,000 to construct, was officially handed over at a colourful ceremony attended by community members, local leaders, and officials from the alumni association. The Australian High Commission contributed 90 percent of the funding, while the community raised the remaining D15,000.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Baboucarr Saine, president of the Australia Awards Alumni Association, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

“Access to safe and potable drinking water is not a luxury - it’s a basic human right,” he said.

“This borehole is a beacon of hope and progress, especially for rural communities like Jiboroh Kuta.”

Mr. Saine explained that the alumni association comprises Gambians, who studied in Australia through government scholarships and are now committed to giving back.

“Our members come from diverse professional-backgrounds, united by a shared purpose to apply our knowledge for the betterment of The Gambia.”

He urged the community to take ownership of the facility, maintain it responsibly, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

“Let this borehole be more than a source of water - let it be a symbol of empowerment and shared responsibility.”

Representing the village leadership, Mr. Sulayman Jatta, son of the Alkalo, described the borehole as a “memorable moment” for the community.

“You’ve brought water to our doorstep,” he said, recalling the long distances residents previously traveled to fetch water. “We will value it, take care of it, and put it to good use.”

The community of 300 households had relied on a single borehole for years, with residents from as far as 200 meters away queuing daily for water.

According to Mr. Baboucarr Joof, the association’s Public Relations Officer, the new facility will particularly benefit women and children, who bore the brunt of the water crisis.

“They’ve been without water for three years. This intervention was crucial, and we’re proud to support them in partnership with the Australian High Commission.” he stated.

Abdoulie Khan, a young community member, who initiated the request for support, shared his motivation. “I felt really bad seeing women and elderly people struggle for water. I raised awareness online hoping someone would help - and they did.”

Another speaker, Mariama Jallow, a female representative, believes the commissioning of this new borehole is life-changing. “We used to wake up before dawn to fetch water, sometimes fighting over a single well. Today, that burden is lifted.”