1. Establishment and maintenance of networks and programmes for the monitoring of the surface and groundwater;
- River and stream network
- Groundwater observation network
2. Collection of all hydrological and hydrogeological data namely:
- River water level;
- Groundwater levels;
- Physiochemical data (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Salinity etc);
- Ground water and surface water abstraction data either from statutory water undertakers or from private individuals, and
- Any other pertinent data resulting from drilling investigations and water resources studies (lightological logs, borehole constructions, pumping test data etc.)
3. Recording, compilation, archiving and processing of all data into meaningful information for early warning and decision making
The mandate of the Meteorology Division is to observe, monitor and predict the weather and climate over The Gambia. The main objective being the Protection of life and property, safeguarding the environment, contributing to sustainable development, meeting international commitments, etc.
The Division operates a network of observing stations comprise of both conventional and automated . Central Forecast Office serves as the nerve center where national data are compiled and exchanged with the rest of the world and in return receive data and processed meteorological products from the rest of the world and international weather centers, respectively.
The Division provides services to the following stakeholders:
- Public weather service through television, national and community radio stations;
- Publishes the Famine Early Warning Bulletin for decision-makers;
- Seasonal Rainfall Outlook for farmers, planners, etc;
- Climate data to users (both in public and private sectors);
- Weather forecast for fisher folks; and
- Aviation forecast to Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
The overall functions of this division is to:
- Provide safe drinking water for the rural communities.
- Assess the coverage of safe drinking water supply to the rural communities through a regular inventory of water points countrywide.
- Sensitize and train the communities on the operation and management of water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Facilitate the establishment of maintenance contract between communities and service providers
- Monitor and supervise contract agreements between communities and service providers
- Organize refresher course for area mechanics to improve their capacities in maintenance of hand pumps.
- Monitor and supervise the availability of spare parts for water and sanitation facilities
- Provide technical support for the design and construction of water supply and sanitation facilities.
- Provide technical support to relevant institutions
- Work closely with water and sanitation sector partners to sensitize communities on water/ hygiene promotion and environmental sanitation
The mandate of this division is to ensure that the nation’s water quality is safe for use as desired, thereby safeguarding both public and environmental health.
The Mandate of the division is to collect, process, store and disseminate accurate and adequate meteorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, and water resources data and information. Data is disseminated nationally and internationally. International exchange is via the WMO Global Telecommunication System. The accuracy, usability and timely availability of such data and information depend on the instrument, the observer, the analyst and the processing equipment. The Communication and Data Analyses Division is charged with the upkeep of these instruments and processing equipment.
The division is also responsible for the repair and maintenance of the department’s computers, internal and external communication equipment, satellite receivers, instruments used in observation and collection of meteorological, hydrological hydrogeological, agro-meteorological data and laboratory equipment.