We
are trying to be hopeful that the energy validation workshop underway at the
Kairaba Beach Hotel will bring us some improvement in the electricity supply we
receive in this country.
It
has been far from meeting national consumption ever since but electricity
supply in The Gambia in recent days has been one of deteriorating. We however understand that the National Water
and Electricity Company has been trying its utmost best to ensure power supply
reaches every nook and cranny of the land.
While
many communities are struggling with water shortage, others are grappling with
power cuts or blackouts, which is hindrance to human development and national
growth.
This
snag in the provision of the fuel of national growth and development was even
highlighted at the opening session of the two-day high level donor conference
and validation workshop held by the Ministry of Petroleum in partnership with
National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
The
Energy Minister had said energy is the driver of economic growth and social
development of any nation, hence its adequate availability is a necessity that
human life cannot afford to be deprived of.
So
we are hopeful that the plan in place to provide 70mw of electricity in 2017
will be realised so as to minimize the frequent power outage we are currently
experiencing.
According
to the Minister of Petroleum, the roadmap of the new initiative is aimed at
minimizing disruption and blackouts in the Greater Banjul Area at least with
70mw by the end of 2017.
He
also said the second phase, 2018-2020, is to close the generation gap and
investment transmission and distribution and commissioning the first IPPs
(Independent Power Producers), whilst the third phase is aimed at scaling generation
to 250mw to expand access.
This
sounds good and if validated and finally implemented, we should be better off
in accessing electricity in this country.
We
therefore hope for the better in our quest to overcome our energy and
electricity challenge.
“Electricity
is really just organized lightning”
George
Carlin
