The persisting electrical and water shortage problem in the country worries and bewilders the masses who felt they have been betrayed by the APRC government who sow the seed of this discomfort. However, even though it is too early to blame the new government, we feel priority should be given to NAWEC in order to address the electricity and water shortage problems the country is faced with, Gambia now deserved a standard and uninterrupted water and electricity supply.
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) are tasked with the responsibility to provide clean water and stable electricity supply throughout the country, unfortunately for the citizens, NAWEC has failed in these basic responsibilities making it a farfetched reality for Gambians. They keep singing flimsy excuses to our ears, most often than not they say: their power stations especially the one in Kotu and other centers around the country has a break down, but the multi-million dollar question is when will this breakdown of power stations stop for us to have a continuous stable electricity supply?
Furthermore, we must take note of the fact that unsteady electricity doesn’t only cause dissatisfaction to the denizens of the country but also cause harm and low production in the working-sector of the country. The unstable electricity supply has led to several destructions in our communities which is evident to everyone. This destruction has led to the burning of luxurious structures and materials of people such as houses, televisions, fridges, etc.
Also, the unavailability of electricity has led to less working time, what I mean in this is that the number of time the working-class should have spent working is curtailed by the unavailability and instability of electricity supply, this leads to inactivity without work for almost the whole day. This has a negative impact on the country because it drives off foreign investors and can also lead the state to a low revenue earning country which may destabilized our very own economy.
However, when there is a will there is a way – it is high time for the government to take a step and look at this issue thoroughly simply because it lies in the hearts of the Gambian people who went to the polls on December 1st to vote for change that will touch on all aspects, be it social, political or economical. Henceforth, power resides in the hands of the people since they were the very ones who elected the government; therefore, the government has no right but to be subservient and committed to the call and interest of its people.
To sum up, all that the Gambian people are yearning and crying for is a better and stable water andelectricity supply to make life convenient and comfortable for all thereby improving the living standard of the people and enhancing productivity and development in the country.
By: Muhammed Lamin Ceesay, Law Student.
