By Abdoulie John
As the Gambia’s urban areas continue to be confronted with recurrent power and water shortages, the state-owned National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has announced signing a major power deal with Turkish firm Karapowership, a member of the Istanbul-based Karadeniz Energy Group. The power deal is expected to boost the energy supply in the Greater Banjul.
“The problems have been so many and diverse that we need some stability in order for us to concentrate on a more sustainable solution for our predicament,” said Managing Director Baba Fatajo told journalists at the NAWEC main office in Kanifing.
The erratic nature of the Gambia’s power supplies has negative impact on businesses and the manufacturing industry, resulting economic hiccups. But the Barrow administration which inherited power crisis has started implementing major projects geared towards ‘making the problem a thing of the past.’
NAWEC boss said the initiative was endorsed by all major stakeholders – including the private sector. All the stakeholders, Mr. Fatajo added, were concerned about the necessity to find a solution to overcome the challenges and maintain a stable energy supply.
“When evaluations were done, the necessary approvals were sought before a decision leading to the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Karapowership was taken,” he said, adding that Karapowership vessel has docked in Banjul and works are going on to ensure a stable electricity supply in the near future.
Karapowership Executive Technical Director, Osman Yulman, who spoke to reporters, said their company is present in many countries, including Lebanon, Ghana, and Mozambique.
Mr. Yulman said work is in progress. “We will begin electricity supply within two weeks,” he assured.
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