Gambiaj.com – (KAUR, The Gambia) – Women in Kaur have appealed to President Adama Barrow to expand electricity access, construct key feeder roads and introduce more livelihood projects to help families affected by poor rainfall and youth unemployment.
The appeals were made during President Barrow’s Meet the People Tour meeting in Kaur Wharf Town in the Central River Region.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Njie Ceesay said women in the area had benefited from a government-backed loan scheme that enables them to access funds, invest in businesses and repay the money within five months, allowing other women to benefit.
“President Barrow loves the women of The Gambia to the extent that he has provided us with a loan scheme that allows women to access funds, use them to work, and repay the money within five months so that other women can also have the opportunity to benefit from the scheme,” she said.
Ceesay said beneficiaries were working hard to repay the loans and regularly met at the Seyfo’s compound at the end of each month to make their repayments.
She urged the government to expand the scheme to reach more women who have yet to benefit.
“We are pleading with President Barrow to help us, especially those who have not yet benefited from this money, and to ensure that all Gambian women have the opportunity to access these funds, work with them and provide for their families,” she said.
Women Seek Electricity Expansion
Ceesay also acknowledged government investments in roads and electricity but said several communities in Lower Saloum remained without electricity.
She identified Jamweli, Kerr Musa, Simbara, Ganjeh, Chamen, Gongkuru and Buduk among the communities she said should be considered for electricity expansion under the second phase of the government’s electrification programme.
“President Barrow, we have seen the roads you have constructed and the electricity you have provided. You are helping women,” she said.
She added that while some communities in Lower Saloum had benefited from infrastructure projects, others continued to face significant development challenges.
Ceesay also appealed for the construction of a feeder road linking Jahwurr to Ganjeh and Kerr Musa, saying the poor condition of the existing road network was affecting residents, particularly schoolchildren.
She said children from Ganjeh, Gongkuru and Chamen faced difficulties travelling to schools in Jimbala and Kerr Malick because of the condition of the roads.
“We want you to construct the road from Kerr Musa to Kerr Malick so that our children can continue their education, become able to help their parents and provide for themselves,” she said.
Call for Jobs and Livelihood Support
Ceesay also raised concerns about this year’s farming season, saying disrupted rainfall had affected the production of maize and groundnuts.
She called for sustainable livelihood projects and employment opportunities for young people, particularly graduates struggling to find jobs after completing their education.
“Help our children who attend school and graduate but are unable to secure jobs. Establish projects where they can work, take care of themselves and support their families,” she said.
She also urged continued support for young people seeking higher education, saying those who complete Grade 12 should be given opportunities to continue to college or university.
Ceesay concluded her address by assuring President Barrow of the women’s political support.
“President Barrow, we, the Gambian people, are telling you to sleep peacefully when you lie down, because we will fill your ballot box,” she said.
“We are making it known to you, President Barrow, that you are carried by the women of The Gambia, and whoever a woman carries will not fall,” she added.
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