President Adama Barrow on Tuesday toured National Water and Electricity Company facilities at the Brikama and Kotu power stations, declaring that access to electricity is a right, not a privilege, and pledging a swift response to the country’s ongoing shortages.
Barrow said government has a duty to deliver reliable and affordable power to all Gambians. Addressing public frustration over outages, he urged patience and continued support while confirming that available resources and reserves are being mobilised. Public concerns, he added, are receiving close attention.
The president said Gambians should begin to see noticeable improvements by the end of October, when a newly procured generator now being transported to the country is commissioned.
Officials noted that the energy sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, with national electricity access rising from 36 percent in 2017 to 90 percent today. The presidential visit forms part of intensified government efforts to tackle the current crisis in a more sustainable way.
Barrow’s inspection came as households and businesses continue to face intermittent supply, highlighting both the progress already made and the remaining gap between expanded access and consistent service.
