Gunjur Street Lighting Project: A Beacon Dimmed by Sustainability Challenges

A few years ago, the streets of Gunjur - a sprawling coastal settlement witnessed a remarkable act of community spirit and initiative. Residents, determined to light up their neighbourhoods and improve security at night, began a grassroots street lighting project. Homes along various streets extended electric cables from their personal power sources to utility poles, installing bulbs to illuminate the dark corners of their community.

This simple yet impactful initiative quickly gained momentum. Street after street adopted the idea, and soon, much of Gunjur glowed at night with lights powered by the generosity and collective effort of its people. The project attracted admiration from neighbouring communities and was hailed as a model of self-help and civic pride.

A Bright Start Meets a Dim Reality

But fast forward just a few years later, and the picture has changed drastically. The very lights that once lit up Gunjur now hang broken, unused, or dangerously exposed. Electrical cables dangle loosely from poles, and many of the bulbs no longer work. What was once a shining example of community action has become a growing safety concern.

This unfortunate turn of events is a familiar story across many communities in The Gambia and beyond: sustainability and maintenance remain some of the most persistent and underestimated challenges in community development.

Why Sustainability Has Become a Problem

The fall of the Gunjur lighting project was not due to a lack of good intentions - it was the result of structural gaps in planning and support. Several key issues have contributed to its decline:

1. No Maintenance Plan: After the initial installation, there was no organized system in place for maintaining or repairing the lights and cables. Without a responsible team or regular check-ups, wear and tear gradually took their toll.

2. Lack of Funding: Because the project was voluntary and community-based, there was no sustainable funding mechanism. Households bore the cost individually, and when problems arose, many were unable or unwilling to shoulder the burden alone.

3. Improvised Installations: Most of the connections were done informally, without technical oversight. This not only led to faster deterioration but has now created serious safety risks - especially with loose wires within reach of children and passersby.

4. Limited Community Follow-Up: Initial excitement and unity often give way to fatigue and forgetfulness. As time passed, fewer people felt responsible for upkeep, and many installations were simply abandoned.

5. No Institutional Backing: The project lacked financial support from local council or CBOs. This meant that even small technical faults couldn’t be addressed professionally, leaving residents to either fix problems themselves - or leave them unattended.

What Needs to Change

The lesson from the street lighting project experience is clear: community-led projects must be matched with long-term planning and structured support. Lighting up our streets is not just about installing bulbs - it’s about ensuring they continue to serve their purpose safely and reliably.

Here are a few steps that could revive the project and ensure its long-term viability:

• Create a Street Lighting Maintenance Committee: Each street could elect representatives to regularly inspect and maintain the lighting infrastructure.

• Introduce Gunjur Street Lighting Fund: Households and CBOs could contribute a small monthly fee to cover the costs of repairs and replacements.

• Seek Professional Support: Qualified electricians in Gunjur should be engaged to inspect and correct faulty wiring to prevent accidents.

• Partner with Local Authorities: Gunjur VDC or NAWEC should be approached for technical guidance or possible formal takeover of the street lights.

• Raise Awareness: An education campaign can help residents understand the importance of electrical safety and community responsibility.

Finally , the Gunjur street lighting project was a brilliant example of what communities can achieve when they come together. But without a plan for sustainability, even the brightest lights can fade. As we reflect on this initiative, let it serve not just as a cautionary tale, but as a call to action: community development does not end at implementation - it must be nurtured and maintained to stand the test of time.

Let’s work together to bring the lights back - and keep them shining across the streets of Gunjur.