By Mafugi Ceesay
The Unique Group has on Friday 27th February 2022 launched the Gambia’s first solar green mini grid plant at Nyamanarr in the Southern part of the Upper River Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Group, Papa Yusupha Njie said that his company has spent 54 million dalasi to installed 120 solar power, 130 poles with GPS, 390 wats, 40 solar streets lights, house wiring, three face meters, fire alarm systems built staff quarter for eight of its staff.
According to CEO Njie, the village initially refused to see them when they disclosed their plans to build solar grid project. Due to the fact that, the residents complained that so many people earlier visited the community with similar suggestions, without any fulfilment of the promises made.
“As a result, we assured the leader of the community that we are people with difference and here we are today with the first mini grid ever in the history of the Gambia to been launched,” Njie explained.
For his part, the Minister of Petroleum, Fafa Sanyang assures the community of his ministry’s unflinching support and further informed that the Barrow led administration will endeavour and encourage more of such developments for the citizenry.
Alagie Chondi Sissoho, the Chairman of Nyamanarr Village Development Committee stressed that his village has been in ‘darkness since its inception some 145 years back.’
He expressed delight and praises on the Unique Group for rescuing them from darkness, saying that they have never dreamt of such development in their life time.
He reiterates that the Unique Group has provided their cemetery, hospital, library and mosque with 8 solar panels to supply electricity for the community for free of charge.
Governor Samba Bah of URR also expressed delight over the lightening of the community, saying it marks a new era for the people of Nyamanarr. He hailed the Unique Group for their foresight and efforts throughout the project implementation process.
The community is 420 kilometres away from the Gambian capital Banjul and has never have electricity since its inception.
With the launched of this project, expectations are high that it will significantly reduced the nightmares of protracted electricity and water scarcity for the residents of the community.
