The Gambia has commissioned a $700 million Soma sub-station as part of the government’s efforts to address electricity constraints facing the West African nation, as well as Senegal and Guinea Bissau.
The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, who commissioned the sub-station, said the project has an international character and attracts the kind interest of The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and the West African sub-region.
“I am hopeful that its significance and impact will be positively felt and welcomed within the sub-region. As a result, its successful completion deserves endorsement and commendation in the African continent and it should serve as a reference point and source of inspiration and emulation,” President Adama Barrow said as carried by local online portal, The Point.
Mr Barrow stated that the project would continue to strengthen the countries’ relations and cement the bond of solidarity among the four countries.
“If there was a need for a piece of evidence to indicate that south-south cooperation could work or that African could unite, work together and develop the African continent to march other continents, this project will certainly be sufficient for the purpose. With this view, I congratulate all those that contributed to the completion of this project.”
He continued that in perusing his target of providing energy for all by 2025, The Gambia government continues to pay attention to people in the rural area, saying this guided the selection of Soma as the location of the sub-station.
Mr Barrow said the Soma sub-station has an overall generation capacity of 225/30 kV, adding it is one of the 15 substations in a loop of OMVG energy projects. He said its power supply would be generated from the clatter and suavity hydroelectric plant in Guinea.
The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, who attended the commissioning ceremony, thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality and expressed delight in attending such an important event in the sub-region.
He said the interconnection of the Soma sub-station would reach The Gambia-Senegal border towards the Kaolack sub-station and from Soma towards the Tanaff substation.
“President Barrow is playing a crucial role in the OMVG project. The interconnection is very important because the electrification will reach both Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The relations between The Gambia and Senegal, there will be 50 megawatts that will come from Senegal for the development of the Gambia.”
President Barrow officially inaugurates OMVG Soma Sub-station which will address the country's electricity deficit. pic.twitter.com/n9cUXreUFq
— State House of The Gambia (@Presidency_GMB) October 23, 2021
The President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalò thanked Mr Barrow and expressed a similar sentiment for taking part in the commissioning of the sub-station that links the four countries.
“We have to join our efforts and work together for the development and the prosperity of our people. The inauguration of this important energy project is a step in that direction we all continue to work and build peace and stability for all.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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