The project under the Strategic Water Alliance of Rotary Club of Gainesville-Haymarket District 7610, and Rotary Club of Banjul District 9101, seeks to end the perennial challenges women face in the area when accessing quality and reliable drinking water.
Delivered at a cost of USD 67,000, which is over D5,000,000 , the 40,000 litre-capacity fitted with a sub-marine pump and supplies over 35 taps spread-out in the area, will henceforth alleviate all the water-related challenges in the area, signaling a new dawn in their development crusade.
At the event, Kumba Dibba, alkalo of Essau New Town, on behalf of the community expressec delight at the laudable initiative, which seeks to transform the area with accessible and potable water supply.
She thanked Rotary Club of Banjul and their partner organisation for the foresight, further acknowledging the importance of water.
Doudou Saine, representing the Chief of Lower Niumi and Modou D.K. Joof, officer in-charge of the facility, both commended the sponsors for the initiative and transformative initiative.
The duo described the project as a ‘dream come true’ and that it comes at a time when the community is expanding thus the need for facilities like affordable water supply.
Modou Lamin M. Camara, project chair of Rotary Club of Banjul, acknowledged that water is life and that for far too long, residents in Essau have faced daily struggles of accessing safe and reliable water.
“Today, that changes. This project is not just pipes and boreholes. It is health, dignity and time restored to mothers, children and students who will no longer walk miles for water they cannot trust.”
He expressed appreciation to all their partners who made the investment possible, reminding that the success was made possible through partnership.
“I extend deepest gratitude to the District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance and the Rotary Club of Gainesville-Haymarket for standing with us.”
Similarly, Mr Camara returned special thanks to fellow Rotarians for their dedication from planning to execution.
“Our role as Rotarians does not end here. This handover is the beginning. We are confident that the community water committee will manage and sustain this resource so that generations to come benefit from it.”
Rohey Karbo, president of the Rotary Club of Banjul, described the event as a humble day for them as Rotarians, describing water as life and that without it there is no life, further reminding that women who are the custodian of homes, suffer the most in times of water shortage.
She thus challenged women in the area to jealously safeguard and take ownership of the project to serve it purpose, recalling that this is the first-ever water project initiative in the area that the club has initiated.
She referenced a similar water project in Lamin Kerewan established in 1976 and still being in used by the community.
Deputising for the governor of North Bank Region, Michelle Mendy, councilor for Essau Ward, described the project as ‘laudable and timely’, in view of the past challenges residents in the area encountered.
She equally commended all stakeholders who contributed towards the successful implementation of the project to serve humanity.
To this end, she advised the residents of the area to judiciously take ownership, reminding that the community has longed anticipated for such an initiative.
Councilor Mendy underscored the importance of the project and the impact it would have on the community.
She also suggested the need to set up a water committee that will be responsible for the daily running of the facility so as to ensure that the project delivers and lasts for a long time.
Merro Jaiteh and Supt Omar Sanneh, OC Essau Police Station, both expressed similar sentiments.
The commended the Rotary Club of Banjul and all their partners for the foresight, expressing their resolve to safeguarded the facility to serve its purpose.
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