The Minister of Energy Sira Wally Ndow-Njie on Wednesday officially launched a D1.5 m Brufut Village Electrification Project, at a ceremony held at Brufut in Kombo North.
Speaking at the occasion, Energy Minister Ndow-Njie told the gathering that the project was the initiative of the government of The Gambia under the leadership of President Jammeh. She recalled that in February 2010, the elders of Brufut had called on the Gambian leader at State House, during which they discussed with him a wide range of issues, among them an efficient and effective electricity supply.
According to her, it is just over a month since the President has approved the project. Noting that it’s the priority of the President, she said the Ministry has been working tirelessly with Nawec to make sure it happens within the shortest possible time. She noted that a fundamental requirement for the successful achievement of government’s Vision 2020 is the availability of reliable, efficient and affordable energy services to the population.
For Minister Wally Ndow-Njie, the availability of an efficient and reliable energy services is a vital component of the necessary enabling environment for a private sector led-growth and development. She added that the extension of electricity services to the communities and various commercial and industrial areas is a priority of her Ministry in its drive to achieve the objective of providing energy services to the entire population.
While the government is making every effort to provide these essential services to the population, she said, it is the duty and responsibility of every Gambian to ensure that these facilities are protected and maintained at all times.
Also speaking at the occasion, Lamin Sanneh, the Governor of Western Region commended President Jammeh for his continued quest to transform The Gambia, especially the Western Region. "The people of this country have long been yearning for such amenities. I also want to thank the President for his visionary leadership and continued quest to ensure that every Gambian has access to safe drinking water, as well as effective and efficient electricity supply," Governor Sanneh said.
Abdou Jobe, the Managing Director of Nawec stated that the project cannot come at a better time than now, as the village is experiencing rapid infrastructural development, thus the need for electricity supply.
This move, according to the Nawec boss, is a clear testimony of the Gambian leader's efforts to realise Vision 2020, as well as the MDGs. He urged the people of Brufut to work hand-in-glove with Nawec in achieving the President's vision to transform The Gambia. He also assured that his company would continue to ensure effective and efficient electricity supply to the doorstep of every Gambian.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Malamin Bojang, the VDC Chairman; Nyimansata Sanneh-Bojang, a veteran politician; Malamin Manneh, the Alkalo of Brufut Village; and Bajamba Bojang, who all thanked President Jammeh for the wonderful initiative. The ceremony was characterised by cultural displays of different troupes.
