The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed an $11.9 million contract with Chinese electrical equipment maker TBEA Company Limited to upgrade electricity infrastructure and expand access in the Greater Banjul Area, the Petroleum, Energy and Mines ministry said.
The project will rehabilitate medium- and low-voltage networks, install modern equipment and extend electricity connections to more than 40 underserved communities, the ministry said.
About 80,000 people are expected to benefit.
The improvements are also expected to benefit households, businesses, schools and health facilities by increasing network capacity and reducing transmission losses and power outages.
Petroleum, Energy and Mines Minister Nani Juwara said the government was committed to expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity and thanked China for its support for the country’s development.
NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy said the project would be judged by improvements in electricity services for consumers, including more reliable supply, fewer outages and expanded access.
Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia Liu Jin said electricity was one of five priority areas of cooperation between the two countries.
He said the project would help address unstable supply and limited electricity coverage in parts of the Greater Banjul Area.
Liu also encouraged technical exchanges and vocational training to strengthen the country’s local technical workforce.
The project is expected to strengthen the electricity network in the Greater Banjul Area and expand connections to communities, businesses and public institutions.
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