The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced the construction of solar-powered Autonomous Water Points (AWPs) in The Gambia and Sierra Leone to boost access to safe drinking water for vulnerable communities.
The projects were launched by the ECOWAS Commission through its Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC) under the Special Project, "Improving Access to Safe Drinking Water for Vulnerable Populations in ECOWAS Member States."
The first groundbreaking ceremony took place in Busura, about 50 kilometres from Banjul, The Gambia, on July 10, while the second was held in Ginger Hall, a suburb of Freetown, Sierra Leone, on July 14, 2026. In Sierra Leone, construction followed the official handover of project sites to contractors on June 16.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, presided over the launch in The Gambia, accompanied by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services and the Gambian Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs.
In Sierra Leone, the ECOWAS President was represented by his Chief of Staff, who joined the country's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for the ceremony.
Also in attendance were ECOWAS Resident Representatives, Heads of National Offices, the Director of the Water Resources Management Centre, local government officials, community leaders and residents of the beneficiary communities.
According to ECOWAS, the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to improve access to potable water, promote sustainable development and enhance the welfare of vulnerable populations across the West African region through climate-friendly, solar-powered water infrastructure.