Department of Water Resources of The Gambia Receives Advanced Meteosat Third Generation PUMA and ClimSA Stations
PUMA station Funded by EU
On Friday, 30 August 2024, the meteorology unit under the Department of Water Resources of The Gambia took a significant step forward in enhancing its weather and climate monitoring capabilities with the arrival of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) PUMA and ClimSA Stations. The official handover event, held at Banjul International Airport in Yundum, marked a crucial advancement in the country's meteorological infrastructure.
The installation of these state-of-the-art stations is part of the Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme, funded by the European Union and implemented across Regional Economic Communities. The programme's goal is to strengthen the capacity of National Meteorological Services (NMS) in African Member States to deliver timely, customized, and science-based weather and climate information for decision-making. With the financial support from the European Union, the African Union Commission has contracted Swiss-based company Tecnavia SA to supply and install PUMA and ClimSA stations for NMS, Regional Climate Centres, and Training Centres across the continent.
The newly installed PUMA Stations are essential for enabling the continued reception of MTG model data and satellite imagery. These advanced functionalities will greatly benefit disaster risk reduction, food security, air quality monitoring, and resilience-building efforts in The Gambia and beyond. The ClimSA Stations will further aid the production of customized climate information, supporting climate-resilient development across sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure, water resources, and disaster risk management.
During the event, Mr. Buba Sanyang, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources, expressed his gratitude to the African Union and its partners for their invaluable support to The Gambia. He highlighted that the equipment would significantly enhance the capacity of the meteorology unit to analyze crucial data, which is vital for informed decision-making. "Data is important because it helps in analysis," Mr. Sanyang noted. He also emphasized that the collaborative nature of the project, which includes data-sharing among regional stakeholders, will benefit the entire region.
The Permanent Secretary called on the meteorology unit to prioritize the proper maintenance of the new equipment, ensuring their long-term functionality beyond the warranty period. This will allow the meteorology unit to continue providing essential services without interruption, contributing to national development and resilience.The installation of the MTG PUMA and ClimSA Stations represents a significant milestone for The Gambia's meteorological services, reinforcing the country's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for climate monitoring and sustainable development.