The event was preceded by the successful conduct of the kick-off meeting held in January 2024 and the framing workshop in March 2024. Both events provided an opportunity to set the stage for the implementation of the Threshold Program.
The Threshold Program is designed to be implemented through a Power Sector Threshold Service Contractor ("PSTSC"), which is a Gesellschaft fur Agrarprojekte (GFA) Consulting Group.
The ROM is a tool for change based on the PDIA approach with assignment of clear roles and responsibilities to each and every stakeholder for the Program. It emphasises cross-cutting issues like gender equality, environmental protection, and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. It also streamlines work flows by outlining clear procedures for raising action requests.
To facilitate the work of the Project Teams, MCA Gambia through the Threshold Program is providing Sixty-Eight (68) laptop computers costing GMD7 million. The laptops would be distributed in two batches; Twenty-one (21) were delivered during the training while the remaining Forty-Seven (47) once procured will also be delivered.
The Threshold Program is aimed at enhancing the governance and operations of the power sector by instituting reforms that drive accountability and transparency.
Thus, the strategic goal of the programme is to support the implementation of critical institutional and policy reforms to address the binding constraints to economic growth in The Gambia.
Saffie Dambelleh, chief executive officer for the Millennium Challenge Account - Gambia (MCA-G), explained that the responsibilities for building local ownership and commitment to the Program, lies with the Accountable Entity - Millennium Challenge Account – Gambia, whilst the Millennium Challenge Corporation provides the oversight roles.
He added that since they are in the first phase of the program implementation, the focus is on fundamental change and building commitment through the Reform and Project Teams using Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) methodology to address power sector challenges.
That, he added, gives a critical role to the Reform and Project Teams to identify root causes of problems in the power sector and explore possible solutions.
Thus, he said, the ROM provides guidance to the Reform and Project Team members on the PDIA methodology to ensure a smooth program implementation.
CEO Dambelleh reminded stakeholders that the success of the program highly depends on their efforts and collaboration as dictated by the program logic and highlighted in the ROM.
Omar Sompo Ceesay, power sector director for the Millenium Challenge Account - Gambia (MCA-G), said that within the MCC Program they have projects on accountability, governance and NAWEC Reform Team.
He encouraged all project teams not to hesitate to ask for any assistance they require from GFA to smoothen their work and ensure they deliver their projects on time.
