JAFAI KUTA VILLAGE BOOSTED WITH SOLAR LIGHTS

By Saikou Suwareh Jabai
The Com Afrique Inver Sol Initiative (CII), with a sponsorship from
the St. Botolph Boston Rotary Club through the Gambia Experience,
Community Development Fund, recently distributed 40 solar lights to
Jafai Kuta in the Central River Region (CRR) of The Gambia
under its “Light Up A Village” Program.These lights will provide much needed illumination for the villagers
as they can perform necessary tasks during the evening or night and
the children will be able to study during the late hours, according to
the sponsors.
The ceremony at Jafai Kuta was graced by Mr. Alhagi Kebba Touray,
Chief of Niamina East,.
Mrs. Tida Fatty, President of the Light Committee, said  Jafai Kuta
Village Lighting Committee was formed for the
management and maintenance of the lights and this will ensure the
sustainability of the program, adding that with the Zon Light Fund
they will collect user fees from the village habitants who use the light.
She said every user of the light will pay two Dalasi per day per light
which is collected and managed by the Jafai Kuta Village Lighting
Committee.
According to her, this fund will be used to replace solar light
batteries every 2 – 3 years and to eventually replace the lights after
6 years. She added that every 6 years, JafaiKuta will have a small
surplus fund from the ZonLight Fund collections would be used for
the development of the village.
“The contributions are an important part of this initiative. If we
wish to enjoy this light and the benefits it gives us for as long as
possible, I would like to tell all the owners of the lights to pay
their contributions on time,” said Mr. Lamin Drammeh, Treasurer of the
Committee.
Madi Kassama, Secretary of the Committee thanked the Rotary Club of
St. Botolph, Boston, UK and Gambia Experience for the contribution
towards the development of their villages.
Mrs. KutaJanka, one of the beneficiaries said: “Tonight, and the many
nights to come, I know this light will give me and my family some
relief from a life in the dark, we will be able to share some family
time at night where we can tell stories and enjoy laughter and build
stronger family ties.”
The Com Afrique Inver Sol Initiative has since 2009 brought light to
42 villages in The Gambia and has provided light to 50 Rural Primary
Health Centers in The Gambia.