By Betha Madhomu
Cape Town – In a groundbreaking initiative, the Asturies for Africa Association (AxA) has successfully implemented a clean water project in Madina Manneh, a small community in The Gambia.
The project, funded by the Asturian Agency for Development Cooperation (Spain), is a beacon of hope for at least 515 residents who previously relied on open water wells for their daily water needs.
Asturies for Africa Association, established in May 2008, is a non-profit and non-political organisation dedicated to providing free childhood education, basic healthcare services, and other development projects in rural Gambian communities.
Seeking additional partners and sponsors, the organisation aims to uplift living standards and contribute to sustainable development.
The successful implementation of the Madina Manneh project is a testament to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Life-Changing Impact on Madina Manneh Residents
The Madina Manneh community faced numerous challenges before the initiation of this vital project, managing director of Asturies for Africa Association, The Gambia, Abdul Bangura told African Insider.
The dependence on open water wells for consumption and domestic uses posed a significant health risk, with the wells easily susceptible to contamination, he said.
Bangura said that the joy experienced by the community members upon witnessing clean, safe drinking water flowing directly into their homes for the first time was palpable.
The Madina Manneh village clean water project is under complection. We thank our sponsors to trust in Asturies for Africa for this development. pic.twitter.com/rJo4WWaMZe
— Abdul Bangura (@Abdul_Banks1979) February 14, 2024
The project, presented to the community in October 2023, saw exceptional community participation during its implementation, he said.
“The people of Madina Manneh depend on open water wells for consumptions and other domestics uses of water which can be easily contaminated.
“Seeing for the first time clean safe drinking water supply flowing in pipes to their nearby respective houses is great happiness to them. In fact due to this joy of having safe clean water supply the community’s participation was excellent during implementation process,” said Bangura.
The problems faced by the community included conflicts at water collection points, especially for women and children, who bore the brunt of extracting water from wells that could be up to 30 metres deep.
Additionally, the presence of cattle around water wells further exacerbated the scarcity of water, making the implementation of the clean water project a dire necessity.
“Women and children are the centre of conflict in water collection points (open water wells) for domestic uses. At a depth of almost 30 meters of water well pulling or extracting water from the well is a difficult process daily especially at this period of the year when the water table is low.
“Also most of the people are from the Fulani tribe. They are cattle rearers and animals are searching for water around the water well and consume every little water found around,” said Bangura, as he detailed some of the problems that the community faced.
Population and Scope of the Project
He said that Madina Manneh, with a total population of 515 people, is comprised of three main ethnic groups: Fulani (55%), Bambaras (25%), Wolofs (15%), and other representatives (10%).
The clear water supply for Madina Manneh village system was tested yesteday evening the presure was excellent in all taps in the village.@asturiesxafrica @AfricanInsider2 @oski_sainz pic.twitter.com/U7kMap8qXU
— Abdul Bangura (@Abdul_Banks1979) February 15, 2024
“The project is set to benefit the entire community by providing access to safe, clean drinking water, alleviating the daily struggles faced by the residents,” Bangura said.
Water Crisis in The Gambia
The Gambia, a semi-arid region almost divided by the River Gambia, grapples with a shortage of clean water, particularly during the dry season.
With only about three months of rain annually, many parts of the country face challenges related to water scarcity.
The government recognises the importance of ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water and has partnered with organisations like Asturies for Africa to address this critical issue, Bangura said.
“The Gambia is a semi-arid region and the country is almost divided into two by the river Gambia. Having almost (3) three months of rain in a year makes it difficult for many parts of the country, as they lack enough water or they are faced with the shortage of clean water. Many water wells dry-off during the peak of the dry season (March, April and May),” he said.
He added: “It’s a concern for the Government to ensure every person access to clean, safe drinking water. Therefore, government have given the space to trusted and reliable partners like Asturies for Africa to complement government efforts in this area hence ‘ Water is life’
Asturies for Africa’s Ongoing Commitment
This Madina Manneh project marks the eighth successful borehole implementation by Asturies for Africa across the country, benefiting schools and health facilities, Bangura said.
The Asturian Agency for Development Cooperation’s funding underscores the commitment to sustainable economic development and the fulfilment of basic human rights, he said.
“This is the eighth borehole we have implemented successfully around the country, including in schools and health facilities. Accessing safe clean water supply is not only a basic human right but also a sustainable economic development.
“Moreover, in order to sustain and commit to these economic developments we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Asturies for Africa Association and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Representing the Ministry of Fisheries Water Resources.
“We also collaborated with government Agency (National Electricity and Water Supply (NAWEC) for the extension of safe clean water to areas impossible for borehole drilling due to water salinity,” said Bangura.
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Picture: X/@Abdul_Banks1979
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