His Excellency President Adama Barrow has officially launched the WACA Livelihoods Programme, a US$5 million initiative that will benefit up to 4,000 households along the Kotu Stream, the intervention area of the WACA Project in The Gambia. The programme is a key component of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA ResIP) in The Gambia.

The launch ceremony, held on December 23, 2025, brought together government officials, development partners, local authorities, community representatives, and civil society organizations. The programme is designed to empower women, youth, and vulnerable groups with skills training, access to finance, and support for sustainable income-generating activities.

Speaking at the launch, President Barrow underlined his government's commitment to addressing the environmental and social challenges facing communities along the Kotu Stream.

"This programme is about protecting lives, restoring dignity and strengthening resilience. It is an investment in the potential of our women, our youth and persons with disabilities, who are at the heart of building a prosperous and climate-resilient Gambia."

The WACA Livelihoods Programme complements the ongoing flood mitigation works along the Kotu Stream. Together, these interventions will provide local communities with improved infrastructure, cleaner surroundings, better waste management and sustainable economic opportunities. The programme targets communities that have long depended on the stream's natural resources for their livelihoods.