By Landing Colley
Ministry of Petrol and Energy on Wednesday has revealed its position to the national assembly member during the question and answer session.
Rural Electrification and Expansion Project
Fafa Sanyang, Minister of Energy said the rural electrification and expansion project which was the second phase of rural electrification project came to close in December 2019.
Most of the areas at the Upper River Region (URR), some part of the Central River North, South and North Bank Region will be cover under the World Bank Funded Gambia electrification modernization project,” he added.
He disclosed that the funding for this project has been already secured and the initial assessment has been done.
However he said his Ministry is very much aware of the electricity problem in URR adding that during the time of Ramadan the demand of electricity was high, and there was some maintenance of the system which causes the problem.
“We have the plan to increase the capacity and also have planned to establish solar system,” he disclosed.
Concerning about the sand minding at the costal post,
He as well answered questions on sand mining at the costal post which he said license cover the miniralize costal area including Kartong, Batokunkun, Sanyang. In2019, he said, sanyang was the only place for mining while mining is yet to take place in other side.
He disclosed that Net income derived from the segment 4617.85 metric tons of seven minerals contract stand at $323, 280.
He further respond to the question from NAMs that the community benefited from few things like employment opportunity, as it in the general principle that such company should provide assistance to the host community of the mining area.
He stated that since the start of mining license the company has paid the total sum of US dollar $649,001.04 as royalty to the State.
