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).
On Saturday, February 23rd a high-power delegation from the organization led by its vice president, Mr. 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 organization include Sare-Saidy, Kohel and Fonkoi Kunda cluster as well as Sasita Toranka and Medina.
For his part, Mr. Sanusey Taal observed that day in that community as a day of rejoicing and celebration. He described the day as historic in the history of the organization.
He told the beneficiary communities that, the President Barrow Youths for National Development organization is 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 recognized 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”.
Mr. Taal used the platform to clarify that, the President Barrow Youths for National Development is not a political party as oppose to what some political prostitute antagonized the organization.
He urged the Alkalo and the villagers to take good care of the facilities for its sustenance. He did also thank the contractor, Mr. Kabba Jatta and the team for their job well done.
Also speaking at the site was Mr. Kabba Jatta, the Borehole contractor. He challenged the beneficiary communities to jealously safeguard the facilities.
A visibility excited jubilant alkalo of Sare-Saidy village told us that these communities 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 told us whilst praising the organization for making their dreams come true.
He continued: “The advice you gave us is well noted and we will take care and I being the Alkalo is now my responsible to sanitize the villagers for them to see this as theirs.
According to him, Sare-Saidy village which is hosting the main source of the water tanks is a 67 years old village. “Before when we need water we have to go to the streams go get water until we have a well. Then in 1984 we were assisted with a hand pump which if you are not powerful you will not get water because is very heavy. Now we are given taps anytime of the night and day we can get water without any disturbances is a great thing for us,” said the Alkalo.
Kebba Dem, Chairman of the Development Unit of President Barrow Youths for National Development spoke of the importance of water and the need for its availability. He also called on the alkalo of the beneficiary villages to guard the facilities. He sought prayers from the beneficiaries for the Youths of President Barrow Youths for National Development.