Women in Kaur, Gambia, have called on President Adama Barrow to address pressing concerns affecting their communities. During his Meet the People Tour in Kaur Wharf Town, Central River Region, women's representative Njie Ceesay highlighted the need for expanded electricity access, key feeder roads, and livelihood projects. These initiatives aim to support families impacted by poor rains and high youth unemployment rates.
Ceesay commended President Barrow for introducing a government-backed loan scheme benefiting women in the area. The scheme allows women to access funds, work with them, and repay within five months, enabling other women to benefit. She noted that beneficiaries are hardworking and meet monthly at the Chief's compound to make repayments. However, she appealed for the expansion of the scheme to cover more women, ensuring all Gambian women have the opportunity to access these funds.
While acknowledging road and electricity projects delivered by the government, Ceesay pointed out that some communities in Lower Saloum still lack electricity. She listed several villages, including Jamweli, Kerr Musa, Simbara, Ganjeh, Chamen, Gongkuru, and Buduk, that require electricity in the second phase. Additionally, she requested the construction of a new feeder road from Jahwurr to Ganjeh and Kerr Musa to ease the movement of school children.
The proposed Jahwurr-Ganjeh Road and the road from Kerr Musa to Kerr Malick are expected to facilitate access to schools in Jimbala and Kerr Malick. Currently, children from Ganjeh, Gongkuru, and Chamen face challenges traveling along difficult roads to attend school. Ceesay emphasized that constructing these roads would enable children to continue their education, become able to help their parents, and provide for themselves.
This year's rainy season has significantly impacted the region, with disrupted rains affecting corn and groundnut harvests. Ceesay appealed for projects that provide sustainable livelihoods and jobs for graduates. She urged the President to establish initiatives where young people can work, take care of themselves, and support their families.
Ceesay assured President Barrow of women's political support, stating that the Gambian people will fill his ballot box. She expressed confidence in his leadership, noting that he has provided opportunities for women through the loan scheme. The women of Kaur are committed to supporting his administration.
The concerns raised by Ceesay and the women of Kaur highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the Central River Region. President Barrow's administration has made efforts to address some of these issues, but more work remains to be done to ensure that all Gambians have access to basic necessities like electricity, roads, and livelihood opportunities.
Key points
- Women in Kaur request expanded electricity access to reach villages such as Jamweli, Kerr Musa, and Ganjeh.
- The construction of the Jahwurr-Ganjeh Road and the road from Kerr Musa to Kerr Malick is expected to ease movement of school children.
- The women of Kaur also appealed for projects providing sustainable livelihoods and jobs for graduates.
