Selecta Supports UNICEF’s water project in Gambia

Gambia is one of the least developed nations in the world, with only 65% of the population having access to clean water. Since January 2009, Selecta has been working with UNICEF to support their water project «Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH» in Gambia’s Upper River Region, one of the poorest areas within the country.

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Water is a key to our health and wellbeing, and by offering fresh, clean water to your employees, you will be contributing to this important community initiative. Every time a new Seattle water cooler is sold, Selecta donates €20 directly to UNICEF for the water project in Gambia.

Because of this project, during the next three years, the Gambian population will benefit from the following activities:

• Construction of wells, hand pumps and tapping of sources in Gambia’s Upper River Region
• Installation of sand carbon filters in 50 schools and 50 health centres
• The launch of 50 Water Committees
• The introduction of Water Clubs in local schools

Our support helps make the difference. Local schools, basic health centres and public spaces such as markets will be provided with access to clean water. Fifty communities, with approximately 25,000 inhabitants, will be able to enjoy safe drinking water and basic sanitation. In addition, Gambian families living in the area will receive hygiene advice on how to improve the health of their children.

Limited access to safe drinking water
With a population of only 1.36 million, Gambia is one of the smallest countries in the world. It ranks 177 out of 193 countries on the poverty list of the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, placing the country among the least developed nations in the world.

One example demonstrating Gambia’s poor development is limited access to safe drinking water and sanitary facilities. Only 65 percent of the Gambian population have clean water within their reach and only 23 percent have access to a latrine.

As a result, indicators relating to water-borne problems such as under-five mortality due to preventable diseases, parasitic worm diseases and malnutrition rates are high. This situation is clearly demonstrated in the county’s health and nutrition status. Read more about the WASH project in Gambia. 

Click here to read more about the work of UNICEF