Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) yesterday organized media caravan to highlight progress on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Water and Sanitation Project.
This is USD 18.6 million project aimed at addressing The Gambia’s chronic water supply challenges. It involved major investments in rehabilitating water and sanitation networks across key regions.
During a tour of the treatment plant, Ebrima Seckan, NAWEC Senior Manager for Distribution and OIC Project Manager, explains that untreated water from boreholes is treated at the facility before distribution. “By law, we cannot sell untreated water. Aeration and lime dosing adjust pH, while chlorine ensures the water is safe for consumption,” he said.
The water treatment plant includes aeration and chlorination units, control buildings, generator rooms, and pump stations, all integrated into a single facility. Seckan adds that elevated tanks maintain consistent pressure in the distribution network, with transmission lines extending to Bijilo, Sanyang, and Salagi. These measures target areas historically affected by intermittent water supply, including Bijilo, Kotu, and parts of Bakoteh.
Operational Manager Ebou Keita says civil and technical works are nearly 80 percent complete, with final supplies already on site. He projected that testing would begin by mid-June, with commissioning expected by end of the month.
“The network is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure at the Burfut tank, allowing flexibility in distribution and maximizing efficiency,” Keita remarked, emphasizing that local Gambian expertise is being employed alongside international partners.
Project Consultant Ebrima T. Jaiteh noted that contractors, consultants, and NAWEC officials were working closely to ensure timely delivery, with monitoring aligned to contractual obligations. “Trust us to deliver this project in the best interest of the Gambian people,” he added.
The media caravan offered journalists firsthand look at the scale and technical sophistication of the project. NAWEC officials expressed confidence that the initiative will significantly improve access to clean water for thousands of Gambians, particularly in underserved regions.
