By Mustapha Jarju
A senior hydrologist technician has declared that some water samples tested in the country do not meet safe drinking standards. This alarming statement was made during the recently concluded two-day Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Gambia 2024, shedding light on a looming public health crisis.
Mamudou Jallow, a hydrologist technician at the Department of Water Resources, delivered a shocking report that left many conference delegates questioning the safety of their daily water consumption.
“The latest research conducted by our department has found that none of the samples we collected meet the standard for drinking water. Samples collected, unfortunately, none of them come closer to 10mlg, Jallow stated, his words resonating through the stunned conference hall, underscoring the grave implications for public health.
The situation in the Greater Banjul Area is particularly dire, with Jallow asserting, “Most of the boreholes drilled within the Greater Banjul Area are polluted. Even if your pipes are intact, there are already pollutants in the water.”
Jallow pointed to the outdated water system as a major culprit. “The NAWEC water system was built years ago,” he explained. “While we’ve updated our road networks, the water system is lagging.”
In response to these findings, Mamudou Jallow, a hydrologist technician at the Department of Water Resources, has urged communities with private boreholes to have their water tested at the Water Quality Laboratory. He also revealed that the Department of Water Resources is actively developing a nationwide policy framework to support water management efforts, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the crisis.
The Department of Water Resources is not working in isolation. Mamudou Jallow revealed that concerted efforts are being made to collect data from rivers to support substantial research, with collaborations between the National Environment Agency (NEA) and other institutions. This collective approach, with multiple entities working together, is crucial in addressing the water crisis and should instill a sense of confidence in the audience.
As the Gambia grapples with this water crisis, Mr. Jallow’s revelations serve as a wake-up call for immediate action to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens.
