In line with its mission of improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) recently handed over garden and borehole facilities to the residents of Kandonku village in Foni.
Mr. Alasan Senghore, Secretary General of GRCS, explained the project is about climate change and resilience, and argued that when delivering (something), one needs to deliver with quality and on time.
He advised the Kandonku Alkalo and the Village Development Committee (VDC) to take ownership of the garden and the borehole so as to maintain the sustainability of the project.
Managing Director of SWEGAM, Mr. Ebrima Cole, outlined the size of the garden as follows: 1.8 hectares with the solar water pumping system comprising one water production borehole; one Grundfos SQ flex submersible pump type 7-4; one CU200 pump control unit; 2.2Kw solar power which powers the pump to deliver 60m3 of water per day; 20m3 water storage capacity (4x5m3 tanks) elevated 5m high; 11 ground concrete reservoirs-each holding 2.5m3 making 27.5m3; 408m pipe distribution network; and 658m perimeter fencing with chain-link.
MD Cole saluted the GRCS officials for the trust and confidence they have in his company by awarding them the contract for the construction of the solar water pumping system for the Kandonku women’s garden.
He, however, encouraged the villagers to take good care of the water pumping system and ensure regular cleaning of the solar panels. He added they should also clean around the solar array during and after the rains, to prevent grass from growing there.
Cole further urged the villagers to maintain the rest of the facility and make sure that nobody tampers with any of the components installed within the garden. He’s hopeful that the garden would help in improving a lot of conditions in Kandonku village.
Speaking at the ceremony, Alkalo Jumou Darboe said within this year, the garden there has brought a lot of development in the village. He noted they as men cannot achieve development in the absence of women.
The Chairman of Kandonku Village Development Committee (VDC) Mr. Yaya Darboe, asserted that “this is the first borehole” the entire District had.
Madam Kuleh Saho, women president of Kandonku village, maintained that all the ‘difficulties and delays’ they had been facing in the past years had now come an end, thanks to Gambia Red Cross Society. With the fencing of the garden, Saho indicated there are enough water supply in the garden for them to do year-round vegetable production.
According to her, feeding becomes easy, their health has improved and they can also pay school fees for their children, buy them books and bags as well as give them lunch (money).
However, Saho still appealed for a storage facility, market and transportation for their produce.
The International Federation for the Red Cross (IFRC) Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Mohammed Omer Mukhier, also spoke at the handing over ceremony.
