By: Dawda Baldeh
Residents of Dibba Kunda in the Sabakh Sanjal Constituency are celebrating improved access to clean water following the inauguration of a 12,000 litre water borehole funded by REFELA.
The project was officially inaugurated by the Mayor of the Banjul City Council, Rohey Malick Lowe, bringing clean water directly to the community at the simple turn of a tap.
For years, access to water had been a major challenge in the village. Residents relied on horses and donkeys to draw water from open wells, a method that exposed them to serious health risks due to contamination.
The borehole, inaugurated on Saturday in Dibba Kunda, was named in honour of the late Secka Adam, a highly respected woman in the community.
“I have never used a tap in my life,” one village elder said. “Sometimes even water for ablution was difficult to find. Getting clean water felt as precious as holding a diamond.”
Community members explained that drawing water from uncovered wells had placed them at constant risk of waterborne diseases.
Olley Ceesay, a women’s representative, expressed deep gratitude to Mayor Lowe and REFELA, describing the project as a turning point for Dibba Kunda.
“Before, we used to fight over water because everyone wanted it at the same time. It was a nightmare,” she said.
According to her, the borehole has not only resolved the water shortage but has also reduced frequent disputes among residents.
“For us, this borehole is life changing. Before, even taking a shower was a problem. Today, water is easily accessible. We no longer rush for water or go to bed without bathing,” she added.
Another resident, Ndey Lowe, praised Mayor Lowe’s commitment to women’s empowerment but appealed for the expansion of the water supply to other parts of the village separated by the main road.
“One side of the village has enough water, but the other side is still struggling because of the road. We are appealing for pipes to be installed so everyone can benefit,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, who also serves as President of REFELA Africa, stressed the fundamental importance of water to human life.
“Without water, there is no life,” she said, adding that providing clean and reliable water remains a top priority for REFELA, particularly in vulnerable communities.
She disclosed that five boreholes have already been inaugurated in the Sabakh Sanjal Constituency, with more projects currently underway. Mayor Lowe also encouraged women to unite and work together to achieve sustainable economic growth.
The atmosphere in Dibba Kunda was filled with excitement, marking a clear shift from traditional water fetching methods to a modern, fully installed water system, making access to clean water as simple as turning a tap.
By: Dawda Baldeh Residents of Dibba Kunda in the Sabakh Sanjal Constituency are celebrating improved access to clean water following the inauguration of a 12,000 litre water borehole funded by REFELA. The project was officially inaugurated by the Mayor of the Banjul City Council, Rohey Malick Lowe, bringing clean water directly to the community at The Fatu Network
