By Anna Marie Valentine
The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara and some officials of the Ministry recently attended the Sixth Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for the Africa Region in Abidjan. Hon. Juwara is accompanied by his Adviser, Mr Momodou Sarr and Principal Energy Officer, Mr Bafoday Sanyang.
The International Solar Alliance is a collaborative international platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies and a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security and driving energy transition in its member countries.
The Minister presented on ISA-funded solar-powered water pump projects meant for the women’s community gardens of Wassadou and Siffoe. This project was meant to offer renewable and sustainable sources of energy to rural communities; particularly empowering the women in those communities.
Siffoe and Wassadou women’s community gardens are the primary benefactors of a $50,000 grant received from the Government of India through ISA.
The Minister’s presentation also featured a video on the handing over of the project and the impact it has and will continue to have on these communities.
The Ministry in a bid to achieve the goal of Universal Energy Access up to 2025 has been harnessing sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar. With the abundance of sunlight in the country, The Gambia is an excellent candidate for championing solar-powered energy supply.
With support from partners like ISA, the Ministry is hopeful that the goal to provide universal energy access across the country will be attained.
