Fully funded by NAWEC, the project seeks to enhance the reliability, efficiency and accessibility of water in Bundung, Tallinding, Abuko, Lamin Daranka and Jambur through the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing distribution network.
The move, hailed by beneficiary communities, comes at a time when some of them have endured low water pressure for over two decades.
The project involves the installation of new pipes, valves and associated infrastructure.
At the launch, Deputy Managing Director Momodou L. Sompo Ceesay underscored the importance of the project, noting that while NAWEC has many projects with partners, this one is exclusively funded by the utility.
He said some of the targeted communities have long experienced low pressure and shortages, adding that upon completion, the five communities will enjoy uninterrupted 24-hour water supply.
Head of Water and Sewerage Business Unit at NAWEC, Omar Sanneh, described the initiative as a flagship project aimed at improving water and sanitation within the Greater Banjul Area.
Sanneh thanked stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality and recalled that residents of Bundung and Tallinding have for many years decried low water pressure.
“This project will instill hope,” he said, noting that access to safe and reliable water is a fundamental human right.
He disclosed that the project will cover a combined 59.5 kilometres of water network infrastructure across the five communities, assuring residents that NAWEC is not only laying pipes but is committed to improving lives with reliable, effective and modern water infrastructure.
Contractor Momodou Simaha of Syben A Madi and Sons gave a detailed outline of the project and his company’s experience in delivering such works, including women’s gardens and village water projects across many communities.
He thanked NAWEC and the government for the confidence reposed in his company and promised to deliver high-quality work that will serve the communities for a very long time.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiary communities, the Alkalo of Bundung Ka Kunda expressed delight, recalling that his community has endured low water pressure for over 40 years. He thanked NAWEC for the foresight and called on beneficiaries to pray for the smooth and timely execution of the project.
Councillor of Bundung Ka Kunda, Lamin Darboe, women leader Amie Jatta, and National Assembly Member for Bundung Ka Kunda, Sulayman Jammeh, all hailed the project as timely and laudable. They called on residents to take ownership of the project and to support contractors throughout implementation.
Representing the Minister of Energy, Executive Coordinator of Kanifing Municipality, Bakary Singhatey, underscored the importance of access to safe and reliable drinking water.
Describing the launch as another milestone in government’s response to the needs of Gambians, Singhatey urged residents to take ownership of the project, maintain unity, and cooperate with contractors.
He thanked all stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality and called on residents, especially youths, to always pursue dialogue rather than confrontation.
