By: Momodou Justice Darboe
The Gambia is currently facing a potential threat as regards the country’s groundwater sources.
This observation was made at a two-day workshop on the validation of the Gambia’s flood and drought White Paper held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo from Oct.16th-17th Oct.
Some participants observed that the continued “infiltration” by nitrates of some groundwater sources in some parts of the country is a crisis in the making.
It was highlighted that NAWEC was having some issues with borehole drilling in the Greater Banjul Area.
According to one participant, groundwater sources in parts of GBA have exceeded the 10ml nitrate per liter standard set by the World Health Organization(WHO).
In parts of Bundung for example, the nitrate level was said to be 11ml per litre.
“There is a potential crisis regarding water sources. NAWEC is having issues with borehole drilling in GBA,” one of the participants observed.
“We may end up purifying or importing water if necessary steps are not taken. NAWEC should centralize water supply,” participant Musa Jimbala from the Ministry of Health said.
“Our groundwater sources are compromised,” stated Dr. Nfamara Dampha World Bank and lead consultant of the national drought and flood White paper.
“The Department of Water Resources should have a quality lab to test the water quality,” suggested one participant.
Some participants have also highlighted the need for mandatory testing of the quality of borehole water to safeguard public health.
