By Sulayman Waan
Banjulinding women gardeners are worried about their vegetable crops as the garden is being hit by serious water shortage.
Tombong Jarju, a gardener told The Voice exclusively that “insufficient water supply is the greatest constraint for us (gardeners). This constrain limits our cultivation in the garden because we cannot plant more vegetables, if we do not have enough water.”
“The lack of adequate water supply in the facility led us to abandon some parts of the garden since we cannot cultivate the entire garden in the absent of enough water,” she added.
According to her, some of their solar panels were stolen, and “we have to buy cash power to support the remaining solar panel because we cannot afford to buy other solar panels.”
“We contribute five hundred dalasi (D500) every two days to purchase cash power. Because the solar energy alone cannot generate maximum energy for the water pumping machine to ensure effective flows of water.
She said all the women gardeners depend on the garden to provide food and cloth for their families as well pay school fees for their children.
Amie Marong, a gardener also expressed that “We are really suffering because we lack sufficient water supply. If we cultivate crops in this shiny sun without enough water the crops would not grow well.”
On her own part, Yama Badjie, said many women gardeners live their lives on the garden saying “they always support their husbands to provide food on the table as well pay other necessary bills for their families.”
“We have to contribute to purchase cash power so as to get water. Whosoever fails to contribute will not water her garden,” she said.
Safiatou Colley, complain of the water challenge among other multiple challenges facing the garden.
