Mr President, the arrival of two generators with a combined capacity of 21 megawatts is welcome news for families, businesses, schools, hospitals and public institutions facing persistent power cuts. Every additional megawatt can bring relief, and Government deserves recognition for responding to an urgent national problem.
However, the generators are emergency support, not a complete solution. Their effectiveness will depend on fuel availability, operating costs, maintenance and the strength of the national transmission and distribution network. If the grid remains weak or fuel becomes too expensive, additional generation may not translate into reliable electricity.
Mr President, Government should publish a clear timetable for installation, commissioning and full operation. It should also explain how the units will be fuelled, maintained and financed, while regularly reporting their output, operating costs and contribution to national supply.
The reported 250 MW commitment from Dangote to President Barrow could significantly transform The Gambia’s energy outlook, support industrial development and reduce chronic shortages. But a commitment of this scale requires a transparent implementation plan. The public should know the proposed technology, location, financing arrangements, construction timetable, fuel requirements, expected tariffs and connection arrangements. It must also be clear whether the project will use gas, solar, a hybrid system or another source.
Large energy projects can bring major benefits, but they must be governed by clear contracts, independent oversight and strong safeguards for the public interest.
Mr President, The Gambia should also maximise the hydroelectric opportunities available through the Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River Basin, or OMVG. Its regional hydropower and transmission programme can provide a more diversified and potentially affordable source of electricity, reduce dependence on imported fuel and improve reliability.
To benefit fully from OMVG power, The Gambia must strengthen transmission lines, substations, distribution networks and system management. Regional imports should complement—not replace—the development of domestic renewable energy.
The Dangote commitment and OMVG resources should form part of one coherent national energy plan. That plan should explain how emergency generators, regional hydropower, solar energy, battery storage and other sources will work together, while ensuring that new electricity reaches communities beyond the Greater Banjul Area.
The country has abundant sunshine and opportunities for utility-scale solar, rooftop systems and rural mini-grids. Solar supported by battery storage can reduce pressure on thermal generators and extend access to underserved communities. Energy efficiency should also be a national priority, since reducing waste can be as valuable as adding generation capacity.
Mr President, the 21 MW generators should provide immediate relief, but The Gambia must not remain trapped in a cycle of emergency purchases. The Dangote commitment, OMVG hydropower and domestic renewable resources offer an opportunity to move from crisis management to long-term planning.
Government should publish measurable targets for generation, renewable energy, storage, grid expansion and service reliability. It should report regularly on major projects and ensure that all energy contracts undergo public scrutiny and value-for-money assessments.
Electricity is essential to education, healthcare, food preservation, investment, employment and national development. Let the generators address today’s crisis, while a coordinated national strategy builds a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for The Gambia.
Finally, Mr President, we would like to once again commend your administration for acting promptly to finding an appropriate alternative to the energy crisis faced by the nation. While we rely on it for now, we would want to emphasize that a proper maintenance routine is given to the generators to serve their purpose well.
Good day!