Water Brings Hope to Essau New Town, The Gambia

JANUARY 2026 by Jane Nash

When Jill Shaw traveled to Essau New Town in The Gambia, she witnessed firsthand the daily struggle families face just to access water.

Located near the mouth of the Gambia River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, the water in this region is brackish and unsafe for drinking. With no reliable source of clean water, families have been forced to rely on small, hand-dug open wells inside their compounds. Water is pulled up using pails, often from sources that are uncovered and easily contaminated.

“These wells are extremely vulnerable to contamination,” Shaw explained. “Because they are open and shallow, the water often carries bacteria that lead to infections and gastrointestinal illnesses.”

For years, the community tried to find a solution. Several organizations attempted to dig shallow wells, but the sandy soil caused them to collapse. Government assistance was unavailable.

Yet the people of Essau New Town never lost hope.

One moment during Shaw’s visit captured the spirit of the community.

“The moment that impacted me most,” she said, “was when an elderly woman told us she was willing to donate land right up to her doorstep if it meant bringing clean water to her village.”

That spirit of generosity and determination helped make the Strategic Water Alliance project possible.

When construction materials for the new borehole system finally arrived at the ferry terminal, the community leader could barely contain his excitement.

“He was so thrilled,” Shaw recalled, “that he rushed out to collect the materials and forgot to put his shoes on.”

The project will provide 35 community taps, delivering clean, safe water to families throughout the village. Engineers believe the borehole may eventually support up to 20 additional taps, opening the door to even greater opportunities.

Within a year, community leaders expect to see significant improvements in health and school attendance. With access to reliable water, children will spend less time collecting water and more time in the classroom.

The community is already dreaming bigger.

If water capacity allows, the village plans to create a women’s garden — providing healthy food for families and a source of income for women.

“This project will transform lives,” Shaw said. “Clean water is a fundamental human right, and this Strategic Water Alliance project will bring lasting change to this community for generations.”

In Essau New Town, water is more than a resource.

It is hope, health, and opportunity flowing into the future.

The grant was submitted by the Rotary Club of Gainesville-Haymarket and is supported by 24 Rotary Clubs in District 7610 through the Strategic Water Alliance (SWA).