President Barrow Launches WASIB Project in Sifoe to Provide Clean Water to Over One Million People

Sifoe, The Gambia – In a significant move toward improving access to clean and safe drinking water, President Adama Barrow on Saturday 17th May, 2025 launched the Water Supply Project for the Greater Banjul Area (WASIB) in the Kombo South settlement of Sifoe. The project, which aims to serve over one million people across The Gambia’s Greater Banjul Area, including settlements in Kombo South marks a major investment in the country’s water infrastructure.

The €59.1 million WASIB project is funded by the Government of France, reflecting a strong partnership between The Gambia and its international development allies. At the launch event, President Barrow highlighted the importance of clean water access as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development.

“This project is not just about water. It is about health, dignity, and economic empowerment,” the President said. “By bringing clean water closer to our communities, we are improving lives and laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous Gambia.”

Key Features of the WASIB Project

The initiative is set to transform the water supply landscape of the Greater Banjul Area through a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade that includes:

• A 300,000-meter extension of the water network to reach underserved areas

• A 25% increase in national water production capacity

• Installation of 14 new boreholes, including 4 deep wells to ensure sustainable water sourcing

• Improved supply for 920,000 existing residents facing irregular access

• Clean water access for 80,000 new beneficiaries, many of whom live in remote or rural communities

• Construction of a modern Water Quality Monitoring Laboratory to ensure ongoing safety and compliance with international standards

The project is expected to not only improve health outcomes by reducing waterborne diseases, but also stimulate economic activities by supporting agriculture, education, and small businesses that rely on reliable water access.

NAWEC Restructuring Announced

In a major institutional reform tied to the project’s goals, President Barrow also announced the separation of The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) into two independent entities: one for water services and another for electricity.

“The time has come for us to allow each sector the space and focus it needs to thrive,” he said. “Separating NAWEC’s water and electricity functions will lead to better management, increased accountability, and more effective project delivery.”

This restructuring is expected to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that both water and electricity sectors receive dedicated oversight and investment.

Community Impact

The launch of WASIB has been welcomed by local residents, who have long struggled with inconsistent and often unsafe water supplies. Community leaders in Sifoe expressed gratitude to the government and its partners, emphasising the transformative impact the project will have on public health, sanitation, and daily life.

As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and social services, the WASIB project stands as a flagship example of development in action - bridging gaps, improving lives, and moving The Gambia closer to its sustainable development goals.