The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain (GIRAV) Project procured four brand-new Toyota pickup vehicles on Friday, 28th August 2026, at the Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU) in Banjul.
The initiative is to support the implementation of activities under Component 6, which focuses on improving access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Funded with a USD 23 million budget, this component is being implemented in close partnership with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) across the country.
Key Focus Areas
- Rural Water Expansion: Upgrading and expanding reliable potable drinking water and irrigation water supply in underserved rural and peri-urban areas. Already, the project is implementing a D162 million water project in Bansang, CRR South.
- Smart Metering Deployment: Procuring and installing 12,000 Non-Revenue Water (NRW) smart meters (such as those rolled out in Bansang and Janjanbureh) to reduce infrastructure water loss and improve distribution efficiency.
- WASH Services: Providing sanitation and hygiene facilities in selected rural communities and schools.
In his statement, Mr. Sarjo Marena, Financial Controller of the GIRAV Project, emphasized that the donation is timely, noting that NAWEC remains one of their most vital implementation partners.
CPC, he explained through the Ministry of Agriculture, was mandated to implement the GIRAV Project, which was initially launched in 2022 with $40 million.
Due to the progress and performance of the project, the World Bank provided additional financing of $68 million in 2024, whereby NAWEC was fortunate to be included.
He said this is because they believe that “having good food without good water for farmers is a cycle that will continue. So there is a $23 million component for NAWEC. NAWEC has been one of the most important partners.”
He added, “We think that without mobility, the work cannot be done. So the Bank and CPCU are here to give NAWEC four good vehicles to make sure that this implementation is carried out.”
In his address, Mr. Mamor Alieu Jagne, Central Project Coordination Unit (CPCU) Coordinator, described the event as a momentous occasion.
He highlighted that the vehicles will enhance mobility, facilitate field operations, and strengthen NAWEC’s service delivery for water quality and sanitation programs.
Mr. Jagne noted that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration—one that extends beyond Bansang to include the rollout of smart meters nationwide.
Reaffirming the project’s commitment to sustainable development, he expressed appreciation to NAWEC for its strong partnership.
The Deputy Managing Director of NAWEC, Mr. Modou Sompo Ceesay, commended the GIRAV Project for its unwavering support.
He pointed out key project milestones, including the construction of a new water treatment plant in Bansang to provide clean drinking water, as well as the provision of smart meters for provincial communities.
He outlined that the GIRAV Project has sponsored the installation of 12,000 smart meters in the GBA, which is almost completed, resulting in reduced losses in the water network.
He added, “In addition, the project has also procured another 12,000, of which 4,000 have already been installed in Bansang, Basse, and Janjanbureh. We are expecting the other 8,000 very soon, which will allow us to change Farafenni, Soma, and also Barra.”
He said, “So, effectively through GIRAV, the entire provinces in The Gambia will have smart meters, and it is really a leap forward.”
He, however, stressed the centrality of mobility in their work, adding that “without us being able to travel to Bansang, to be able to respond to complaints faster, people will not appreciate our services.”
He concluded by thanking the GIRAV Project for the vehicle donation, noting that the increased mobility will directly enhance their capacity to serve the public effectively.
