The recent move by the government to reduce the electricity tariff is a step in the right direction.
We firmly believe that electricity is the life-blood of the economy, virtually affecting all spheres of development.
Over the years, especially during the past few years, people have been bitterly complaining about the high cost of electricity, among others.
We, therefore, hope that this move would attract more investors into the country, especially in the commercial and industrial sub sectors of the economy.
We also hope it curtails expenditure on utility bills, which is usually a big chunk of the family's monthly expenditure budget.
This move by the Ministry of Energy is, no doubt, genuinely welcomed, since the country cannot achieve its development aspirations, as stated in Vision 2020 and the MDGs, without an efficient and affordable power supply.
We urge the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to ensure the full execution of the new directives.
We also encourage potential investors to come and invest in The Gambia, following the cut in the electricity tariff of 10 percent for commercial entities and 10 percent for industrial ventures.
Indeed, their coming because of this further tariff reduction would create employment opportunities for more Gambians.
Meanwhile, we also urge the government to consider a 10 percent reduction of the tariff for domestic consumers, as opposed to the 5 percent declared.
The more affordable the electricity tariff becomes, the more it would attract investors in the country's construction industry, which means the provision of modern housing, as well as a better standard of living for more citizens.
