The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) staff have been announced by the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Commission to receive a 5% salary reduction as a result of their failure to reach the key performance indicators specified in their performance contract.
The SOE Commission presented its report on NAWEC’s performance to President Adama Barrow on Wednesday morning, as indicated by an announcement posted on The State House of the Gambia’s Facebook page.
On Wednesday, President Adama Barrow hosted the Board and management of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and the Commission on State-Owned Enterprises at his office. The Commissioners, under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Ousainou Ngum, presented their evaluation of NAWEC’s performance for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. During the review period, the evaluation encompassed NAWEC’s financial, technical, operational, and managerial performance. The Commission determined that NAWEC only met 30% and 20% of the Key Performance Indicators targets in 2021 and 2022, respectively. According to the Gambia’s State House.
The main performance indicators were calculated using the 2017 baseline, as stated by Executive Secretary Mr. Bai Madi Ceesay in the report. He further stated that the Chairman had granted NAWEC the chance to develop strategies for enhanced future performance.
President Barrow acknowledged that the SOE Commission’s efforts are essential for the accountability of institutions, which is a critical component of his administration’s public sector reform agenda, in response to the report.
President Barrow underscored the significance of the institution assuming responsibility for its performance and refraining from offering justifications, despite acknowledging NAWEC’s obstacles. The President acknowledged NAWEC’s recent endeavours and directed the Commission to implement its recommendations while considering the actions NAWEC has taken in recent times.
“The Commission will decrease the salaries of NAWEC staff by 5% as a result of their failure to achieve the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) objectives established for 2021-2022.” The SOE Commission will completely implement the next appraisal recommendations, taking into account the support that NAWEC is currently receiving from the Government of The Gambia and Partners. The challenges are to be taken seriously by the top management, as electricity is essential to the lives of the people, and the vow to deliver must be maintained, they explained.
The report on the State House page asserts that NAWEC officials argued that the use of 2017 as a baseline for evaluation was unjust. They emphasised that NAWEC was in the midst of a difficult transition and lacked audited accounts for that year.
Honourable Nani Juwara, the current Minister of Petroleum and Energy and former Managing Director, recommended that 2022 figures be used to establish a more equitable baseline that reflects the most recent advancements.
“The current Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Honourable Nani Juwara, who was previously the Managing Director, stated that the figures from 2022 would establish a more equitable baseline in light of the current situation and system improvements.” He expressed optimism that a solid foundation has been established to enhance performance. the assertion is as follows:
Galo Saidy, the current Managing Director, acknowledged the decision and committed to collaborating with his team to enhance performance. He underscored that the senior management’s presence is indicative of their dedication to improving the company’s performance.
“The current Managing Director, Gallo Saidy, has acknowledged the decision and has committed to collaborating with his team to enhance performance.” “He underscored that the senior management’s attendance serves as a testament to the fact that everyone is accountable for enhancing the company’s performance,” they stated.
The SOE Commission was commended by Finance Minister Honourable Seedy Keita, who also emphasised the need for support in the transformation efforts of NAWEC, which has had a significant economic impact on the country.
The signature of performance contracts with SOEs in February 2023 was overseen by President Barrow in order to address underperformance. Subsequent to the passage of the SOE Bill and the establishment of the SOE Commission, distinguished Gambians with expertise in a variety of disciplines were appointed to provide support to SOEs in enhancing their service delivery performance.