The newly appointed Managing Director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Gallo Saidy, has set high goals to solve Gambia’s power problems during the next two years.
Speaking at a press conference sponsored by the Ministry of Information on Friday, Saidy presented his plan to fix up to 90% of the nation’s power and water supply problems throughout this period.
Saidy underlined continuous initiatives aiming at strengthening water and electricity infrastructure while acknowledging public discontent with regular power outages and water shortages. Though he admitted the scope of the work ahead, he emphasised a dedication to significant changes and sought to solve most of these problems by improving operational efficiency and infrastructural dependability.
“Given all the problems going on, I know NAWEC is not particularly well-known right now. We are experiencing blackouts of electricity. Although we suffer with water scarcity, this does not mean that no strategies are in place to try to address such issues. Thus, there are several ongoing ground projects on the water as well as on the power side. My hopes are therefore during the next two years; these issues of frequent outages of power and irregular supply of water will not be totally remedied, but I would say up to 80, 90% resolved during a press conference.
Saidy claims that NAWEC is very important for the Gambian economy and emphasises how directly its performance affects national economic stability. He underlined the importance of the institution since its success is linked with the general state of the nation.
“NAWEC is the pillar of the economic system of this nation. Therefore, this economy will flourish if NAWEC is performing as expected. Should NAWEC be failing, this economy will not flourish either. That is therefore the actual situation of things. And under government, it is among the largest institutions in our nation. I now have been assigned to lead NAWEC. It loads a lot on my shoulders and is a great responsibility. Furthermore, I understand the difficulties NAWEC faces and the road is not simple. It will get worse before it gets better, he remarked.
Saidy underlined the stress on NAWEC’s ageing infrastructure caused by past underinvestment, addressing the issues presented by fast national development and later increased demand for utilities. Notwithstanding these challenges, he was hopeful about the future and confirmed his will to provide dependable and sustainable energy and water services meeting the demands of Gambian people.
Just keep in mind that this nation is expanding really quickly. Looking at perhaps three, four, or five years ago, when the Gambia was before and now, you can observe the growth. Thus, a lot of development on all these roads is evident, and this is driving demand on the network by means of building activities. Thus, the infrastructure of NAWEC is rather old historically. Furthermore, for many, many years the system has not received much investment. Hence, that is the fact. You must thus satisfy the demand 100% if you have all this increasing growth and the expectations are great. One cannot live in this reality. That is a truth, but can we improve? You are right. Exists a lighthouse at the tunnel’s end? The response is in line. Is it possible for this Gambia electrical and water delivery system to be sustainable so that it meets the needs of the people there? Indeed, he answered; we are capable of doing that.