Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia, through the Department of Water Resources and with support from stakeholders, is expected to develop a legal and policy framework for Water Abstraction Regulation operational tools.
A day-long stakeholders’ forum was recently held at the NaNA Conference Hall in Bakau to advance discussions on the proposed framework.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Fanta Bojang-Samateh, said the initiative marks a key step in strengthening water governance in the context of climate change.
She noted that water resources management remains central to The Gambia’s climate resilience and sustainable development efforts.
According to her, abstraction from boreholes, rivers and wetlands is still largely unregulated, posing risks to aquifer sustainability, water quality and ecosystem integrity.
She said addressing these challenges requires strong legal, institutional and operational frameworks.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary added that the forum would provide a platform for participants to present preliminary assessment findings, facilitate dialogue on necessary reforms, and validate proposals on regulatory instruments, licensing procedures and monitoring systems.
She also commended the AdaptAction Programme of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for its support.
In his welcoming remarks, the Acting Director of the Department of Water Resources, Foday Conteh, said the department serves as the technical arm of the Government of The Gambia.
He said it is mandated to regulate and manage the sustainable utilisation of water resources, coordinate relevant policies, and provide timely and accurate weather and climate information, among other responsibilities.
He stated that water remains a fundamental resource for human survival and development, adding that ensuring its sustainable management in terms of both quality and quantity is a national priority.
Mr Conteh further stressed that water is essential to all forms of life, noting that it covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface.
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