State House, Banjul, 14th October 2021: The Government of The Gambia, through the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery, Office of the President of The Gambia, will launch the Programme for Accelerated Community Development (PACD) in The Gambia on 15th October 2021, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, Bijilo.

In line with the National Development Plan (2018-2021), the PACD aims to improve access of rural populations to essential social services through the establishment of socio-economic infrastructure. Five regions across The Gambia are benefitting from the implementation of the pilot phase.

The ultimate objective of the PACD is to address poverty and inequality with particular emphasis on reducing the urban, rural divide concerning rural infrastructure and for government to respond to social demands. The Gambia Government has provided the funds for the Pilot Phase, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing it. The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) supports the accelerated, multi-pronged, participatory, and accountable delivery of services, particularly to remote populations.

The pilot phase focused on four main areas; Electricity, Water, Road Infrastructure and Food Security with sub-components on labour-saving devices and exotic livestock breeds for increased milk production.

His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of The Republic of The Gambia, will launch the programme. Senior Government Officials, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations, UN Agencies, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Service Chiefs, representatives of beneficiary communities and media houses will grace the occasion.