By Lamin Kujabi
The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe(just appointed Minister of Tourism); and the Managing Director of National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Mr Nani Juwara (just appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy), together with their teams last week held discussion with His Excellency President Adama Barrow about the state of electrification projects in the country.
The projects aimed for the realisation of The Gambia’s Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), which is expected to address the electricity needs of Gambians.
Mr Nani Juwara explained that GERMP covers about 298 communities in the West Coast Region, Lower River Region, North Bank Region, Central River North and South regions.
He noted that several electricity projects are ongoing across the country.
He revealed that the ECOWAS Regional Electricity project is a grant through ECOWAS to the Government of The Gambia, covering about 292 communities in five regions.
“As we speak, construction works are already ongoing in West Coast particularly in Kombo East and Foni with 42% of progress,” Mr Juwara reported.
“‘Backbone Phase 2’ is another electricity project covering about 280 communities. The African Development Bank funds The Gambia Electricity Access Project to provide electricity to communities in CRR and NBR. We have made 71% progress. All these are part of President Barrow’s promise of universal access to electricity before the end of 2025,” Mr. Juwara asserted.
He however admitted that they have some gaps and challenges in Sami area and Bansang, as well as Upper River Region, where there are communities yet to be covered. He revealed that they have signed a new contract that is going to provide electricity to about 88 communities including Sare Bojo and the border communities.
MD Juwara expressed optimism and confidence that NAWEC will provide electricity to every Gambians as envisaged by the Government of The Gambia in the National Development Plan (NDP), as well as achieve universal electrical access by 2025.
He thanked the President for the support, commitment and encouragement in implementing the electricity access project.
