Source: The Daily Observer
The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) Wednesday commissioned a water project through the installation of four standpipes at the Denton Bridge in Banjul, meant to support the Sarro Women Association (SWA) in their small-scale agricultural production ventures. 

The initiative formed part of the Agency's essential role of promoting economic growth, wealth creation, employment generation, and support to micro, small and medium enterprises.

In his remarks, a senior manager, Investment Promotion and Facilitation at GIEPA, Abdoulie Hydara, affirmed that the water project is part of the Agency's drive to promote sustainable enterprise and help grow small businesses in The Gambia. This, he noted, is in line with the government's strategic development programmes on poverty reduction and food self-sufficiency as enshrined in the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Hydara underscored that these facilities will ensure an enhanced production capacity of the Association's businesses, but was quick to admonish them to make judicious use of the facilities. He used the opportunity to explain the mandate of the Agency, informing that GIEPA acts as the investors' first point of contact, by providing information on relevant procedures for setting up enterprises and help form necessary network and support to businesses of all sizes for successful operations.

The senior manager assured that the Agency will continue to engage and work with the private sector as partners to ensure the realisation of the set national development aspirations.

The executive director of Women's Bureau, Binta Jammeh-Sedibeh, at the occasion, applauded GIEPA for the intervention, arguing that for there to be food security, people should start growing what they eat. She stressed the need for women to be assisted with tools and skills to be able to contribute effectively in national development, thus reiterating commendation to GIEPA for the support.

The Women Bureau chief also suggested for GIEPA to reach out to women in other parts of the country, particularly those in the rural areas. She urged the women to make the best use of the facilities.

The secretary general of the Association, Ousainatou Jallow, thanked President Jammeh for his continued support to the country's womenfolk, and also applauded GIEPA for supporting her group with the water project.

With the availability of this amenity, Jallow, who recalled the constraints they used to encounter, assured that they will be more engaged in horticultural production for the benefit of their families.

She seized the opportunity to inform that the Women Association was founded a few years ago thanks to the advice of one Superintendent Momodou Danso, who tasked them to come together as a group. "Now we have a total membership of 242 women and three men. This number is a clear manifestation that women are in the forefront of national development, especially in agriculture," Jallow told the gathering.

She informed that the proceeds derived from their vegetable garden are mainly used to generate income for the upkeep of their families. She also thanked members of the various security establishments in the area for the security of their produce.

Ismaila Sanyang from the Office of the President applauded the women at Sarro for their hard work, while commending GIEPA for the support.

Other speakers included the president of the Women Association, Mama Fatty and Superintendent Tamsir Bah. What ensued was the presentation of certificates to respective stakeholders in appreciation of their contributions to the cause.

• Gambia