ECOWAS Launches Solar Water Projects To Boost Safe Drinking Water Access In Gambia, Sierra Leone
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge for many vulnerable communities across West Africa, making investment in sustainable water infrastructure increasingly critical.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the construction of solar-powered Autonomous Water Points (AWPs) in The Gambia and Sierra Leone under its Special Project aimed at improving access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations across the region.
The projects were launched within five days, with the first ceremony held on 10 July in Busura, about 50 kilometres from Banjul, The Gambia, and the second on 14 July in Ginger Hall, a suburb of Freetown, Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, the launch followed the official handover of project sites to contractors on 16 June.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, attended the launch in The Gambia, while his Chief of Staff represented him in Sierra Leone. Senior government officials, ECOWAS representatives, local authorities and members of the beneficiary communities also participated in the ceremonies.
The regional bloc said the initiative is designed to expand access to reliable, solar-powered drinking water systems and improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations across its Member States.
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