By Binta Jaiteh
The former Press Secretary of the Gambia Action Party (GAP) Sheikhna Faal has urged National Electricity and Water Company (NAWEC) to address the frequent power cuts faced by Gambians.
Faal made the urge during an interview granted to this reporter following frequent power outage experienced in the country.
“I am disappointed with The President who recently said that his government has provided enough electricity in the country,” he remarked.
According to him, the statement of the President is misleading the public because everybody knows the problem of electricity in the country. He described the current situation of the country as very poor especially regarding electricity. “NAWEC on and off these days is very worrying and it needs to be addressed,” he said.
“NAWEC and Senelec are providing electricity to a population less than 3 million and yet still we can’t even have complete electricity for 24 hours. Some areas don’t have electricity for 3 to 4 hours what is that?” he questioned
He stressed the need and importance of electricity to people’s lives while calling on NAWEC to respect the plight of the citizens by providing their necessities.
He added that due to poor electricity supply investors could not invest in the country. “Our energy sector remains in darkness which is very sad as a country,” he lamented.
Faal states that Gambians are suffering a lot with the recent hike of prices of basic commodities and others and yet still the government didn’t find any mechanism to address the situation.
He proposed renewable/solar energy as possible solution to the Gambia’s power problem. But he said some of our folks did not think along those lines since they are after corrupt deals involved in generator parts and fuel purchase.
“We have leaders who don’t want to sacrifice for the citizens. Gambia supposed to be developed if only our leaders are serious towards the development of the country,” Faalconcluded.
