A Euro 6.8M Rural Water Sector Support Programme (SRWSSP) for the Western Region component, was on Monday launched by the European Commission (EC) in a ceremony held at the Governor’s office in Brikama. Coupled with the similar projects that were earlier launched in Upper River and North Bank Regions, the whole initiative revolves around the need to  provide clean portable water and sanitation to over 115,000 people in rural and peri-urban populations.

In his welcoming address, Abdou FM Badjie, governor of Western Region said the launching of the project is timely and worthy. According to him, water is a necessity and thanked all donor partners for their efforts in improving the living conditions of Gambians.

“European Commission is indeed a true friend to The Gambia as they have been involved in many projects in the country. Provision of clean water for the people of Western Region came at a time when some of the residences are realising acute water shortages in their areas”, he said.

He then assured that they will not only put the money to good use, but will also ensure that the problem of maintenance be tackled through a maintenance fund.

Speaking on behalf of Yankuba Touray, secretary of state for Fisheries and National Assembly affairs, Lamin Nyabally, permanent secretary at the Department of State for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, expressed deep gratitude to the European Commission for funding such an important programme.

According to him, the support will go a long way in reducing the stress on our national health budget, adding that the cost of fuel has had a negative impact on the main project.

“In the coming years, the challenge in the water sector will be to promote and facilitate the management of water resources and infrastructure constructed throughout the country.

To this end, government has recently promulgated a water policy, which among others calls for the establishment of a management and inclusive water resource framework based on integrated water resources management principles”, he said.

Ms Laura, who spoke on behalf of the European Union Chargé d’ Affairs, indicated that the European Commission has been involved in main water projects in The Gambia.

 She seized the opportunity to throw light on the different initiatives that have been conducted by the European Community, through its main development agency, the European Development Agency (EDF).  According to her, EDF initiated seven projects in The Gambia in 2005, noting that 67 solar panels were provided to some communities. “Our support project also includes sanitary facilities in order to ensure that the people of the country live in a healthy environment”, she said.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials at the Department of State for Fisheries and Water Resources, and National Assembly members, district chiefs, among local dignitaries.