By Fatou Dahaba
Momodou Turo Darboe, Chief Executive Officer of the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), has unveiled a transformative slate of development projects worth D3.9 million across the Lower River Region (LRR) and parts of the Central River Region (CRR). The initiatives, fully funded by Darboe and his foundation, aim to address critical community needs, enhance infrastructure, and provide essential services to some of The Gambia’s most vulnerable populations.
Over the weekend, Darboe officially inaugurated four boreholes in the communities of Sare Samba, Japineh, Sutukong, and Sare Batch, delivering clean and safe drinking water to hundreds of residents. These boreholes, a cornerstone of VDF’s mission to complement government efforts, are designed to alleviate the water challenges faced by rural communities. “Our goal is to ensure every Gambian, especially those in rural areas, has access to potable water,” Darboe declared during the ceremonies. He urged beneficiaries to maintain the boreholes and implement sustainability measures to prolong their utility.
Saikou Fofana, VDF’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to societal development. “These boreholes are just one part of our broader efforts to support vulnerable communities,” Fofana said, highlighting VDF’s scholarship programs, medical assistance, and other initiatives aimed at uplifting the poor. He called on communities to safeguard the new facilities, noting their potential to transform daily life.
The borehole project was met with widespread gratitude. Alkalos and Village Development Committees (VDCs) from the beneficiary villages praised VDF’s intervention. “We assure the foundation that these boreholes will be well-maintained to serve our communities for years to come,” they said in a joint statement. Women representatives expressed particular relief, noting that the boreholes eliminate the need to cross highways or travel long distances to fetch water. “This is a game-changer for us,” one representative said, calling for more such projects to reach other villages.
Beyond water access, Darboe’s D3.9 million investment encompasses a wide array of development projects tailored to local needs. In Jarra Sukuta, Jarra Sitahuma, and Jarra Bodeyel, VDF provided milling machines to ease the burden of manual grain pounding, empowering women and boosting productivity. Health centers in Dasilameh, Pakaliba, Bureng, Dongoroba, Japineh, Bandumeh, Perai Tanda (URR), and Councilor Maimuna received a total of 26 hospital beds to enhance medical care. A tricycle was donated to Menna for patient transport, improving access to healthcare services.
Infrastructure improvements include road construction in Jarra Jassong, costing D300,000, to enhance connectivity. VDF also funded fencing for women’s gardens in Barrow Kunda, Pakaliba, Dongoraba, Welligarraba, and Nyawurulung, supporting agricultural livelihoods. Four Madrasa schools in Jarra Madina, Denmati Kunda, Sibinding, and Dingiral received fencing, while the Bureng Mosque was equipped with a solar battery. Additionally, Badumeh Health Center received D20,000 for upgrades.
Darboe, a champion of peace and unity, described the projects as part of VDF’s ongoing commitment to The Gambia’s development. “I have never failed or disappointed you, and I have greater plans for all of you,” he told the communities, promising to return next June with new initiatives. “I want you to be with me on this journey,” he added, inspiring hope among residents.
The total investment of D3,926,000 underscores VDF’s dedication to transformative change. From water access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, these projects are poised to improve the quality of life for thousands in LRR and CRR. Community leaders and residents alike hailed Darboe as a visionary leader whose efforts are bringing tangible progress to rural Gambia.
As the ceremonies concluded, the call for more development echoed across the beneficiary villages. With VDF’s track record of delivering on promises, anticipation is already building for Darboe’s return next year, when he is expected to unveil even more ambitious plans to uplift The Gambia’s most underserved communities.
