The KYA which was recently established with the objective of strengthening the already existing relationship among the inhabitants of the village, have been credited by many for embarking on series of initiatives in the village that are geared towards not only cementing their relationship but also changing the lives and livelihoods of the rural dwellers.
The borehole rehabilitation project which officials said amounted to nearly two hundred thousand dalasis was done by Jagne Plumbing Service. The company is owned and managed by a young Gambian entrepreneur, Dawda Jagne, renowned for its excellent service delivery.
Speaking at a convergence held at the village, Alkalo Sainey Sabally, underscored the significance of unity among young people, saying: “The village can only continue to witness numerous development if the young people in the village and those in the Diaspora unite and see the interest of the village as their priority.”
He also highlighted the importance of clean and potable drinking water, saying: “I am so pleased to be associated with the initiative. Water is essential in almost everything we do. We can only witness rapid development at the village when we are all united. There has always been unity since the establishment of the village, thus I am happy to see that you are all following that footsteps. I am confident that if the youths of the village remain united, they can feed the entire village,” he claimed.
Alkalo Sabally went on to say that: “What people should boast about is what I did for my community but not the other way round. This is a huge investment and Allah will reward all of you abundantly. I want to encourage all of you to continue on this path with the objective of ensuring that the generation to come also takes the same direction.”
He acknowledged the fact that water shortage was a challenge at the village, saying: ‘However, with the borehole now fully in operation, the issue of water shortage will become a thing of the past.’
He urged the villagers to ensure the sustainability of the borehole: “I do not want to come here and see any leakages. We have to take full ownership of the borehole as a lot of money has been pumped into the project,” he said, while calling for the reforming and re-positioning of the village VDC with the desire to ensure that they work closely with the KYA.
Ebrima Bah, project coordinator for KYA also spoke at length on the need for unity in the village, saying: “We need to work hand in glove in bringing initiatives that are for the betterment and advancement of Kataba village. This is where we are all born, thus the village development should be a priority for all of us.”
The association, he went on, was formed with the sole objective of bringing development and fostering unity at the village. “We will work with the VDC in ensuring that we achieve our objectives. We have seen how united other villages within our area are, hence we should also redouble our efforts in that aspect. We have resources through the contribution of Kataba people that are in The Gambia and others who are in the Diaspora. This is how we raise funds because we charge a yearly contribution.”
“The borehole has been here for over five years but was dilapidated, hence water became a problem. Now that the borehole is rehabilitated, we want to ensure that people take ownership of it,” Lamin Bah, secretary general of the association said.
Dawda Jagne, contractor said: “My company is a reputable company that has over years built a name for itself. I can assure you of quality work which will continue to serve the village. Quality of work is what we are known for and we will continue on that path.”
The convergence ended with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an and presentation of certificates.
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