The United Nations General Assembly earmarks each year on March 22nd to observe World Water Day globally. The day aims to reflect and raise awareness on the importance of water and its role in the ecosystem. 

This year, the global theme is: ‘Groundwater- Making the Invisible Visible.’ 

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) joins the international water community in observing the significance of the day. PURA remains committed to working with both national and international stakeholders to promote the protection of Groundwater from pollution and guarantee an accessible and affordable clean water supply for all and sundry. 

In light of this year’s theme, PURA is preoccupied with the growing water pollution in the Gambia, poorly constructed soakaways, ineffective waste management regimes, uncontrolled settlements near boreholes, and unregulated drilling of water boreholes. We are poised to ensure improvement in these critical areas of public health concerns. 

Groundwater is indeed a common heritage of mankind, hence the need for its protection. To jealously safeguard and sustain this endowed resource for posterity, requires collective responsibility for equitable utilization and management.