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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Aug 2011 : 00:12:24
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Monday, August 01, 2011
The government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Energy and the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) Saturday afternoon commissioned a state-of-the art power plant with a generating capacity of 9 megawatts, at the national utility company’s power station in Brikama.
Officially commissioned by the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, whose office is overseeing the Ministry of Energy, the power plant is the first phase of a 30 megawatts power project that is expected to provide electricity to the West Coast Region (WCR) and the Greater Banjul Area. The first phase 9MW power plant was financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) at the tune of US$17.15 million.
It is part of efforts by the government of The Gambia to add vibrancy to the energy sector with a view to ensuring that the vital electricity amenity is taken to the doorsteps of the citizenry for improved livelihood. In a statement read on his behalf by the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, President Jammeh, who described the commissioning of this first phase project as a milestone in the energy sector, revealed that funding for the remaining 20 megawatts for the Brikama Power Station has already been secured from the IDB.
The Gambian leader said that there is a direct relationship between a country’s economic development and the availability of electricity services to its populace, pointing out that the importance of all his government’s energy projects cannot therefore be overemphasised. The president averred that the electrification of the entire country is well on course and that such would serve as a catalyst for increased productivity, improved health services as well as viable economic activities all of which he said contributes to rapid socio-economic growth and development.
“Funding to the tune of US$6m has also been secured from the OPEC Fund for International Development for a third transmission line from Brikama via Mandinary to Buffer Zone (Tallinding) to help evacuate power and to stabilise the network. Satellite villages along this line such as Makumbaya, Bafuloto, Kubuneh and Mandinary will also benefit amongst others,” he disclosed. While affirming that his government can provide the infrastructural projects, the Gambian leader made it clear that their operation and maintenance is the responsibility of Nawec. To this end, he urged Nawec to maintain and operate these national assets with care and diligence. “There will be no room for complacency, inefficiency, dishonesty, sabotage, corruption, nepotism or laziness in not only Nawec but across the public service,” the president warned as he urged all to redouble efforts to consolidate on the gains registered.
Settlement of arrears
While pointing out that Nawec is working very hard to make electricity service and water available to all Gambians, which will need more resources to achieve this lofty objective, the president urged all those owing the utility company to settle their arrears for the sake of national development.
President Jammeh stated that as part of efforts by government to transform this country into a city state and achieve the Silicon Valley dreams as well as meet targets set out in their development blueprint, they will continue to explore other means of cheaper and more sustainable electricity production in order to make it affordable to the citizenry.
He added: “For us to achieve this, we must build synergies and participate fully in regional efforts of harnessing the renewable energy potentials available to us.” Speaking earlier, the chairman, Board of Directors of Nawec, Mustapha B Colley underscored that the project was conceived and implemented inline with the Gambian leader’s vision to improve both the quality and living standard of Gambians by increasing their access to electricity service. He said: “This project in addition to the Western Region electrification project will bring electricity service to the doorsteps of people from Kartong to Kalagi. In addition, the people in the Greater Banjul Area will also have increased availability.”
The Nawec Board chair dilated on the tremendous achievements being registered in the electricity sub-sector despite the growing challenges and its capital-intensive nature, while assuring that Nawec will continue to be guided and subscribe to President Jammeh’s vision, mission and commitment to providing reliable and efficient and affordable electricity and water service to the entire population. For his part, the managing director of Nawec, Momodou Jallow explained that the project commissioned has been fully certified to standards and meets all the technical requirements.
He commended President Jammeh for his vision in this direction, and acknowledged that Nawec has enjoyed unreserved attention from his government since he assumed the mantle of leadership. He assured that his company with the continuous support of the government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that additional power generating capacity is provided. The Nawec boss explained that the project, coupled with the Venezuelan project aimed at refurbishment, rehabilitation and expansion of the electricity network, and will go a long way in not only improving the present electricity situation, but boost their revenue base and ensure that major technical loses are drastically reduced.
Also speaking at the occasion, Ulf Strandback, the project manager of Watsila Group of Finland, the contractors, informed the gathering that the contract for the power plant was signed in May 2009 and that implementation began in April 2010, while describing the power plant as a ‘state-of-the-art’ project.
“The power plant has been designed in such a way that it can be easily expanded. We are sincerely honoured and proud to be associated with the developments The Gambia is making,” he concluded.
The governor of West Coast Region, Lamin Sanneh expressed delight with the project, which is in his region, saying the development demonstrates government’s commitment to improving the energy sector and thus ensuring a wider electricity coverage. He recalled that before 1994, electricity supply in the country was quite erratic, adding that with good policies and thanks to the leadership of the president, this is not the case today. The occasion was also attended by ministers, diplomats, and representatives of the IDB. It was punctuated by cultural performances by various groups.
Author: by Hatab Fadera
Source:http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambia-commissions-multi-million-dollar-power-plant-1
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2011 : 01:15:04
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"To this end, he urged Nawec to maintain and operate these national assets with care and diligence. “There will be no room for complacency, inefficiency, dishonesty, sabotage, corruption, nepotism or laziness in not only Nawec but across the public service,”
I hope that Nawec AND all employees and contractors heed H.E.'s words,I have a feeling that if he hears of anything "not quite correct" in Nawec and this power plant and its distrubution system ,those found doing "not quite correct" things will have their own "problems" 
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 02 Aug 2011 01:15:27 |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2011 : 00:57:44
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This is the Generator Jayanfara was waiting for I guess , Jay your generator has been taken from the commissoners house and or Kanili, Look at what the cat drug in Basse will be lit up like a "FANAAL"...........................Peace |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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