Gambia Receives Two Generators To Ease Power Crisis

The Gambia has received two generators with a combined capacity of 21 megawatts as the government seeks to address prolonged power outages that have disrupted daily life across the country.

The generators, each capable of producing 10.5 megawatts of electricity, arrived at the port of the capital, Banjul, from China on Monday.

The country has experienced extended blackouts since June, with power cuts worsening in recent weeks during the peak of the hot season and triggering widespread protests.

Vice-President Muhammed Jallow said the generators formed part of the government’s efforts to address the electricity crisis through both immediate interventions and longer-term measures.

“The provision of the generators is part of the solutions to electricity challenges faced. The government wants to install the capacity and part of the medium and long-term plan is to make sure that the issue of electricity is permanently fixed,” Jallow said.

Gallo Saidy, managing director of the National Water and Electricity Corporation, said the generators would be installed and commissioned by the end of October.

“The machines have never been used, the only thing they need is to be installed,” Saidy said.

The government has described the new equipment as part of its broader efforts to improve electricity supply and address the persistent outages.

SOURCE: AFP