The Gambia’s Minister for Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, has defended the government’s performance in the electricity sector, saying the country has made considerable progress in expanding access despite continued power outages in some communities.
Speaking at a governing National People’s Party rally in New Jeshwang over the weekend, Hon. Juwara acknowledged public frustration over recurring electricity shortages, including outages at night. He, however, urged citizens to remain patient, saying measures were being implemented to address the situation.
Hon. Juwara said the current challenges should be considered alongside the improvements recorded in electricity access since President Adama Barrow assumed office.
He attributed the increase in electricity consumption partly to economic and social development, noting that more households and businesses now have access to the grid and use appliances such as air conditioners.
According to the minister, electricity access has increased to about 90% of communities nationwide, from 43% before President Barrow took office. The government is also working to fulfil its commitment to provide electricity access to every community by the end of 2026.
However, Hon. Juwara acknowledged that the expansion of electricity access has increased pressure on the country’s power infrastructure. Growing demand from households and businesses has created additional challenges for the electricity system.
He said technical faults and equipment failures were among the factors contributing to the outages but assured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the problems.
Hon. Juwara said the ministry was working closely with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to develop a lasting solution to the country’s electricity difficulties.
He also cited developments in New Jeshwang as evidence of the government’s broader achievements, saying the community had experienced improvements in infrastructure and electricity supply compared with previous years.
His comments come as the governing party seeks to highlight its development record ahead of the December presidential election. Hon. Juwara called on voters to give President Barrow another mandate, presenting it as an endorsement of the progress made under his administration.