Students from the University of The Gambia's Department of Community Building and Design have begun a comprehensive study of the Kotu Stream under a US$100,000 grant from the WACA Project. The funding is provided through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between WACA and the University of The Gambia to support research on the stream's physical, historical, environmental, social and ecological characteristics, with a focus on flooding, erosion, pollution and solid waste management.

To support the research, WACA has provided a range of equipment, including a laptop, total stations, trundle wheels, hygrometers, dumpy levels, digital cameras, SketchUp and Lumion software, tracing paper, a printer, a projector and personal protective equipment.

The equipment was handed over to the University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Herbert Robinson, by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, in January 2026 at the MECCNAR Complex in Abuko.

"This research will help us understand the causes of flooding and other environmental challenges, and guide long-term solutions grounded in science," said Minister Manjang.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Herbert Robinson described the handover as a historic milestone for the University, noting that the initiative supports UTG's three core pillars: teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer, and community service.

"By engaging our own researchers and students, we are strengthening local capacity and ensuring that homegrown solutions are integrated into the final engineering designs," said WACA Project Coordinator Dr. Muhammed Lamin Sanyang.

Just three weeks into the fieldwork, the students had already presented preliminary findings to the Project, covering the environmental, economic, ecological and social aspects of the Kotu Stream. A comprehensive final report is expected in the coming weeks.