By Tombong Jadama
Up to seven communities in Jarra, Lower River Region are set to benefit from pipe-born water courtesy of President Barrow Youths for National Development (PBYFND).
Last Saturday, a high-power delegation from the organisation led by its vice president, Sanusey Taal, visited the communities in preparation for the official handing over ceremony.
The beneficiary communities of the borehole project component of the President Barrow Youths for National Development organisation include Sare-Saidy, Kohel and Fonkoi Kunda cluster as well as Sasita Toranka and Medina.
Sanusey Taal said their visit marks “a day of rejoicing and celebration” for the locals.
He described the day as historic in the history of the organisation.
He told the beneficiary communities that, the PBYFND was formed by a group of young people to promote President Barrow’s ideals of a greater society that guarantees freedom, liberty, democracy and sustainable development for all through a comprehensive communal, regional, national and international initiative.
“In our project allocation, we don’t segregate. We give projects base on need assessment. Our projects are for all Gambians irrespective of tribe or political affiliation,” he told them.
He added: “We recognised these villages and consider them as very important and that the residents of these communities also have right to enjoy social amenities, such as this.”
Taal used the platform to clarify that, the PBYFND “is not a political party” as opposed to what “some political prostitutes antagonised the organisation”.
He urged the Alkalo and the villagers to take good care of the facilities for its sustenance.
Also speaking at the site was Kabba Jatta, the borehole contractor. He challenged the beneficiary communities to jealously safeguard the facilities.
A visibly jubilant Alkalo of Sare-Saidy village, said communities in that part of the country have been neglected for over 65 years despite the fact that “we continue to pay our taxes.
“We suffer in fetching water from the well because they are deep inside. We also use the same source to provide water for our animals,” he said.
He continued: “The advice you gave us is well noted. We will take care [of the project]. I being the Alkalo is now my responsibility to sensitise the villagers for them to see this [project] as theirs.
According to him, Sare-Saidy village which is hosting the main source of the water tanks is a 67-year old village.
“Before, when we need water we go to the stream,” he recalled.
Kebba Dem, chairman of the development unit of PBYND spoke of the importance of water and the need for its availability.
He also called on Alkalolu of the beneficiary villages to guard the facilities.
