WASIB Project — Water Supply Improvement Banjul

01Background

Greater Banjul faces rising water demand in a sensitive coastal hydrogeological context vulnerable to overexploitation and saline intrusion.

The WASIB project, led by NAWEC with AFD funding, aimed to sustainably strengthen drinking water supply to Gambia's capital.

02Key challenges

Securing the resource required a better understanding of the aquifers in use and optimisation of wellfield location and operation.

The transboundary dimension and international partnership required robust methods shared among stakeholders.

03Mission objectives

• Enhance knowledge of groundwater resources in Greater Banjul
• Support the design and optimisation of wellfields
• Contribute to securing drinking water supply
• Build capacity of local stakeholders

04Services delivered by EAU-GEF

• Hydrogeological synthesis and aquifer modelling
• Wellfield analysis and exploitation scenarios
• GIS support and hydrogeological mapping
• Recommendations for resource security
• Technical collaboration within the consortium

05Approach & methodology

EAU-GEF intervened as part of a consortium with ANTEA, providing hydrogeological and modelling expertise within a coordinated process.

Analyses were conducted to reconcile scientific reliability with operational project constraints.

06Results & added value

The mission strengthened the knowledge base needed to secure drinking water supply to Greater Banjul and optimise its operation.

It demonstrates EAU-GEF's capacity to work internationally, alongside leading donors and partners.