Gambia on course to attain universal access to electricity by 2025 – President Barrow

Gambian President Adama Barrow has launched the 30KV Lamin Koto to Diabugu-Batapa electricity power line, saying the country is on course to attain universal access to electricity by 2025.

A statement made available to on Sunday quoted him as saying the availability of electricity is crucial to the country’s development needs.

He decried the absence of electricity in many rural communities, describing it as “social injustice”.

The US$8 million project is a partnership between the government, the World Bank, the European Union, and European Investment Bank.

President Barrow vowed to ensure that every settlement in the country has access to electricity.

Fafa Sanyang, the Minister of Energy, said the Government would not relent until it attains its goal of universal electricity access throughout the country.

Nani Juwara, the Managing Director of National Water And Electricity Company, said the project would benefit 40 communities in Sami and six in Sandu.

Mr Juwara said the project is part of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), which will eventually cover many communities in the country by the end 2023.