Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially commenced construction of solar-powered Autonomous Water Points (AWPs) in two member states, marking a significant step towards improving access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations across the region.
The launch ceremonies took place within five days of one another: Friday, July 10, 2026, in Busura, approximately fifty kilometres from Banjul, The Gambia, and Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Ginger Hall, a suburb of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The projects fall under the special initiative titled “Improving Access to Safe Drinking Water for Vulnerable Populations in ECOWAS Member States.” In Sierra Leone, the launch followed the official handover of sites to contractors on June 16, 2026.
High-Level Attendance
The ceremonies drew senior ECOWAS officials and government representatives from both beneficiary nations.
In The Gambia, the event was graced by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who was joined by the Commissioner for Internal Services and the Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources, and Parliamentary Affairs.
In Sierra Leone, the President of the Commission was represented by his Chief of Staff, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. Also in attendance were ECOWAS Resident Representatives, Heads of National Offices, the Director of the Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), local authorities, and members of the beneficiary communities.
Addressing Water Scarcity
The solar-powered AWPs are designed to provide sustainable, off-grid water solutions to underserved communities, reducing reliance on erratic power supplies and manual pumping systems. The initiative targets vulnerable groups, including women and children, who often bear the burden of collecting water from distant or unsafe sources.
An ECOWAS spokesperson emphasised that the projects align with the bloc’s broader commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation.
Regional Commitment
The WRMC, which is spearheading the project, has been at the forefront of ECOWAS efforts to address transboundary water resource management and improve water security in the region. The construction of the AWPs is expected to enhance resilience against climate change and reduce water-borne diseases in rural and peri-urban areas.
Local community leaders in both The Gambia and Sierra Leone welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the projects would transform daily life and bolster economic activities.
The completion timelines for the water points have yet to be announced, but officials confirmed that construction is now underway, with community engagement and local oversight built into the implementation framework.
