Africa Energy: Gambia’s Utilities Company Unveils Major Power Deal Amid Recurrent Shortages

As Gambia urban areas continue to be confronted with recurrent power and water shortages, the state-owned National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has announced major power deal with Turkish firm Karapowership, a member of the Istanbul-based Karadeniz Energy Group.

The power deal is expected to boost the energy supply in the Greater Banjul.

“The problems have been so many and diverse that we need some stability in order for us to concentrate on a more sustainable solution for our predicament,” said managing director Baba Fatajo, during a news conference held last Thursday at their main office in Kanifing, about 7 km away from Banjul.

Since the Gambia has attained international sovereignty, erratic power continues to businesses and the manifacturing industry, causing a major economic handicap. The Barrow administration has started major projects geared towards ‘making the problem a thing of the past.’

NAWEC boss said the initiative was endorsed by all major stakeholders – including the private sector. He then added that they were all concerned about the necessity to find a solution to overcome the challenges and maintain a stable energy supply.

“When evaluations were done, the necessary approvals were sought, a decision was taken and led up to signing a MoU with Karapowership,” he added.

Fatajo went further to indicate that a Karapowership vessel has docked in Banjul and works are going on to ensure a stable electricity supply in a near future.

Karapowership Executive Technical Director, Osman Yulman, who spoke to reporters, said their company is present in many countries, including Lebanon, Ghana, and Mozambique.

Yulman went on to say that work is in progress. “We will begin electricity supply within two weeks,” he assured.

Written by Abdoulie JOHN