The Managing Director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Gallo Saidy, has warned individuals involved in electricity theft through illegal connections and meter bypasses that they will face financial penalties and possible prosecution.
Speaking at the MansaKunda Ministerial Town Hall Meeting held on Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Mr Saidy disclosed that NAWEC had identified approximately 200 electricity bypass connections and about 400 cases involving faulty meters.
He said the company had established a task force to conduct nationwide operations aimed at identifying illegal electricity connections, meter irregularities and other forms of electricity theft.
According to the Managing Director, individuals found engaging in domestic electricity bypasses would face charges of approximately D50,000, while business-related cases would attract charges of about D200,000.
He warned that those found culpable would also be taken to court as part of the company's efforts to combat electricity theft and protect its infrastructure.
Mr Saidy urged Gambians to regard NAWEC as their own institution and take collective responsibility for safeguarding its facilities, noting that vandalism and illegal electricity connections undermine the company's ability to provide reliable services.
He also expressed concern over the destruction of NAWEC offices and equipment during recent demonstrations triggered by public dissatisfaction with electricity supply.
The NAWEC boss called on electricity consumers to cooperate with the company by reporting suspected illegal connections and other irregularities, stressing that the fight against electricity theft required public support.
He cautioned against the use of substandard, counterfeit and cheap electrical materials, warning that poor wiring and improper connections could pose serious safety risks and contribute to electricity-related problems.
Mr Saidy reiterated that protecting NAWEC's infrastructure was a shared responsibility, adding that the cooperation of consumers remained essential to improving electricity service delivery across the country.
