WASCAL, UTG & BMBF Launch Solar Streetlights in Gunjur as Part of REPGam Initiative

Gunjur, The Gambia – The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), working alongside the University of The Gambia (UTG) and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education & Research (BMBF), has officially begun the installation of solar-powered streetlights in Gunjur, starting at Gunjur Lower Basic School.

A total of 30 high powered solar streetlights will be installed in Gunjur as part of the project starting from the Gunjur Lower Basic School.

This initiative is under the Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia (REPGam) Project, a broader programme targeting 17 communities across the country. Its goal: bring free, reliable, and clean solar energy to public institutions and neighbourhoods, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and improving local quality of life  .

Key Highlights of the project:

• Gunjur Lower Basic School is the first primary beneficiary of the solar streetlight installation in Gunjur.

• Communities Covered: A total of 17 communities will benefit over the course of the project  .

• Timeframe & Scope: Data collection and infrastructure profiling have been completed at various institutions

• Local Capacity Building: As part of project sustainability, 210 Gambian youth were trained in solar installation, repair, and maintenance  .

Project Leadership & Benefits

REPGam is coordinated by UTG, in partnership with WASCAL and under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education. Dr Ebrima Sonko, REPGam’s Deputy Director, underscored the initiative’s role in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions for communities and public institutions  .

The project team - led by Professor Sidat Yaffa has carried out energy profiling at key public sites, including Gunjur Lower Basic School, several technical institutions, and the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, paving the way for reliable system deployment  .

Why it Matters

• Environmental Impact: Cuts reliance on diesel generation, aligning with national commitments to climate mitigation.

• Socioeconomic Gains: Improved street lighting enhances safety, supports evening education and social activities, and facilitates local economic vibrancy.

• Educational Value: Empowers youth with technical skills in renewable energy, building local expertise for future green initiatives  .