New borehole project brings hope to women gardeners in Banjulnding

A new 8,000-litre capacity borehole has been inaugurated at Banjulnding Women’s Garden, delivering a vital water source to thousands of women gardeners who depend on the garden for their livelihoods. This project, a partnership between the Republic of Austria and Refela, aims to address the water needs of over 4,000 women whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to water shortages at the decades-old garden.

In a vibrant event earlier today, Her Excellency Ursula Fahringer, the Austrian Ambassador to The Gambia, joined local leaders, EU and French ambassadors, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, and a representative from the British High Commission to celebrate the completion of the borehole. The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of the Region, Mr Yankuba Darboe, Hon. Muhammed Kanteh, the Member for Busumbala Constituency, Refela executive member and councilor Madam Abie Bangura, and other community leaders.

Refela, an organisation dedicated to advancing women’s development, highlighted the critical role of water in sustaining local economies, with water accessibility marked as one of its main priorities under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The new borehole, developed under Refela’s Water for Women Initiative, is seen as a lifeline for the women of Banjulnding and surrounding areas, enabling them to resume and expand their gardening activities, which serve as a primary income source for many.

Speakers at the event praised the initiative and emphasised their commitment to ensuring consistent access to water for women gardeners across the region. Her Excellency Ursula Fahringer was celebrated as a “true friend of Gambian women,” with Refela expressing profound gratitude for Austria’s swift support.

“We are grateful to our friends and partners who made this possible. The Austrian government, through Ambassador Fahringer, has shown unwavering support for Gambian women, and we are deeply appreciative,” said a Refela representative. The organisation has urged additional partners to support the Water for Women Initiative, aiming to expand similar projects throughout the country to uplift communities reliant on gardening for their livelihoods.

The initiative has revitalised the hope of the women gardeners of Banjulnding, reflecting the power of collaboration in supporting women’s economic empowerment and the community’s resilience in the face of challenges.