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Momodou
Denmark
11735 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 18:53:50
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NAWEC Asked To Speak The Truth
By Fatou Jammeh
 Frequent power cuts have hampered businesses in The Gambia. Aggrieved customers who spoke to this paper in an interview urged the country’s main energy supplier the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), to inform the public about the reality on the ground as the situation has adverse effects on their livelihoods.
NAWEC is mandated for the provision of electricity; water and sewerage services in the country but remain silent about people’s energy need. Despite the intervention of Gam Electrical Group in the sector, it remains in serious crisis thus putting businesses that needs electricity supply at a stand-still.
Falou Gaye a welder in the capital, Banjul, said NAWEC is not speaking the truth regarding the erratic power supply in the country. He said that NAWEC told people that the energy problem would be solved in the shortest possible time stressing that the problem still persists. Gaye indicated that the situation has made life difficult for him as a family head. "I have many contracts to work on but due to the constant power interruption I cannot execute the contracts," he added.
To put it mildly he said "This is an indication that NAWEC is hiding something from the people. What is the essence of hiding the wound that needs amputation?
"Frequent power cuts are becoming unbearable now. We have been in grip of power cuts that some times stretched to almost 24 hours like Saturday", said Bala Musa Jarjue of Bourgi Bakery at Churchill’s Town.
Mr.Jarjue said they sometimes go up to Brufut to buy bags of ice for mixing the flour to bake their breads, lamenting that without ice they will not be able to mix their flour before baking. He complained that the generator they use when there are power cuts takes three full jerry cans of petrol each of which costs D600. He summed up: "if we have a whole day without electricity supply we spend D1, 800 on only fuel.
For Buba Colley a radio and television repairer in Serekunda the energy system is irritating. This is what he has to say: "We have a cash power metre which we load on a daily basis and still we are not getting frequent electricity supply. People like me make our livelihood based on the regularity of electricity."
Modou S. Joof an editor with The Voice newspaper in Serrekunda said the increasing frequent power cuts have affected their job a great deal because they are working without an alternative source of energy. "Our newspaper sometimes goes off the newsstand as a result of the eccentric power cuts.
Ousainou Njie a timber dealer working at sawmill in Ebo Town said, "The most disheartening thing is to go to work without doing anything which means you will not earn anything for the day due to lack of electricity, because we work with power-driven machinery. I and my co-worker have to be waiting for electricity hours on end before we can do our work. Things are now moving from bad to worse.
Abdoulie Senghore a hardware engineer in Dippa Kunda, who repairs computers, said his work cannot be done in the absence of electricity. "Computer is a very sensitive machine which without any energy back up it causes damages. Electricity is the cheapest source of energy that people can depend on to do their work. One cannot expect people who are not doing big businesses to have a standby generation, because it is expensive," said Senghore.
This paper contacted NAWEC Public Relations Officer, Pierre Sylva for their side of the story but said he must get clearance from his Director before making any comment.
Source: DailyNews
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 19:23:18
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"To put it mildly he said "This is an indication that NAWEC is hiding something from the people. What is the essence of hiding the wound that needs amputation? "
And as usual what was the reply from people on the ground at NAWAC ?
NAWEC Public Relations Officer, Pierre Sylva for their side of the story but said he must get clearance from his Director before making any comment. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 01 Oct 2010 19:30:25 |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2010 : 21:21:37
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| For some people, NAWEC has essentially taken the place of the back up Generator, while the hgenerator has become the main source of electricity. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 02 Oct 2010 : 16:55:06
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Did you mean hegenerator ? for power generation ?  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 02 Oct 2010 16:55:50 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11735 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2010 : 20:59:56
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It should not take three months to install a new switch gear.
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WHY ERRATIC POWER OUTAGES??? PURA AND NAWEC EXPLAIN
By Publisher on 11-10-10
Following the series of complaints lodged to Foroyaa by NAWEC Customers from all works of life regarding the erratic nature of power outages in the provision of Electricity in the Urban area, this reporter contacted the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, since it is the body that is established to ensure accessibility to and affordability of public services to the general public to find out the cause or causes of the permanent power outages at NAWEC.
PURA’s VIEW
According to PURA, on Monday 27th September 2010 a meeting of stakeholders in the management of the energy sector, namely; NAWEC, Ministry of Energy and PURA was held at PURA’s Office. The meeting, chaired by the Executive Commissioner responsible for Technical Regulation of PURA, was prompted by PURA in a bid to be fully briefed by NAWEC so as to form an informed opinion on the reasons for the continued electricity outages. The agenda included three main items, that is:
a. Explanation of the causes of current outages
b. What NAWEC is doing to resolve the problem?
c. When the situation is expected to stabilise
According to PURA they have been duly informed by a representative from NAWEC that after the fire incident at Kotu Power Station, NAWEC had issued a press release to inform the general public of this incident. NAWEC is reported to have indicated that the core problem was the lack of ability to transmit generated power because the switch gear equipment was burnt to ashes at the Kotu Power Station. Consequently, NAWEC currently has 8 Mega Watts available capacity that they cannot transmit out due to the loss of the switch gear at Kotu.
Furthermore, one engine developed a problem with the turbo-charger and work is on to get this engine back up in working order. NAWEC further confirmed that the problem is compounded by the fact that Global Energy Group (GEG), an Independent Power Producer (IPP), located in Brikama which supplies power to NAWEC, has problems with two of its generators which are rendered inoperative. This reduced capacity to around 12 Megawatts.
PURA is reported to have been informed that it is difficult to say when the current load shedding would stabilise but that considering all the efforts they are putting into the problem, and if all goes well, the situation should begin to improve and stabilise by the end of October 2010.
It is reported by PURA that when they questioned whether a roster existed NAWEC stated that they did have one. Currently, customers are divided into three groups and at anytime one group should have 8 hours of power supply whilst the other two experience power outages. NAWEC however cautioned that sometimes a particular feeder could be down or faulty when a certain group should have electricity. This may prolong their blackout.
PURA’s opinion is that NAWEC is working as efficiently and effectively as possible to restore a normal service to all its customers. NAWEC has since put out a press release to this effect and PURA will continue to monitor the situation closely. PURA has encouraged and advised NAWEC of the need for wider sensitisation and dissemination of information to consumers. In the mean time PURA appeals to the general public to remain patient and thank all affected persons for their exceptional tolerance especially during this period of the year which is marked by heat and humidity.
NAWEC ISSUED THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE ON THE SUBJECT
Following the fire incident at Kotu Power Station which rendered some of our generators non operational, NAWEC wishes to bring to the attention of the general public and its esteem customers in the GBA that the load shedding roster has been intensified due to the resulting inadequate capacity from the incident and machinery breakdown at Brikama Power Station.
This coupled with problems usually encountered during the rainy season and some planned and unplanned maintenance on some of the generators has resulted to electricity supply falling below normal capacity.
The management of NAWEC is doing everything possible to address this problem. We expect that this problem would be addressed shortly.
NAWEC therefore appeals to the entire country to bear with us on the current regrettable situation and assures everybody of the company’s commitment and determination to providing a reliable and equitable supply of power as soon as the rehabilitation works are completed.
The company counts on all its customers’ usual understanding and cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Editor’s Note
Transparency is the best instrument for maintaining the integrity of a public institution. Tell the people the truth no matter what opinions they would form afterwards.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2010 : 22:06:51
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I am very pleased that PURA exists and has been the vehicle by which NAWEC has been forced to accept responsibility,what I would love to hear now is a truthful explaination as to the cause of the fire at the switchgear at Kotu power station,human error lack of PROPER maintainence overloaded equipment or something else,maybe things are changing slowly, keep up public information and admit when you have problems and explain them,Thanks Nawec for at least going part of the way now.You really should NOT have to be TOLD by some other body what to do.
"Transparency is the best instrument for maintaining the integrity of a public institution. Tell the people the truth no matter what opinions they would form afterwards."
PURA has encouraged and advised NAWEC of the need for wider sensitisation and dissemination of information to consumers. In the mean time PURA appeals to the general public to remain patient and thank all affected persons for their exceptional tolerance especially during this period of the year which is marked by heat and humidity. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2010 : 23:02:55
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"It should not take three months to install a new switch gear."
Momodou I think that it probably will and possibly more because the heavy duty stuff is made to order to cope with specific currents and voltages,you cannot just buy it off the shelf, although you MIGHT get lucky and find some used stuff that has been replaced by new more heavy duty gear that MAY fit you application. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 13 Oct 2010 : 17:25:54
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Another sorry tale for NAWEC this report highlights serious failings,have a read, what do you thing, a well run business or...........?
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/nawec-registers-30-energy-loss
Nawec registers 30% energy loss
Africa » Gambia
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) has registered a 30% loss of its energy output.
This information was contained in the National Assembly#146;s Public Accounts and Public Enterprise Committee's 2009-2010 report. The report disclosed that the loss is due to defective transmission and distribution network. It recommended the prompt maintenance of defective transmission and distribution networks to minimise the loss of power; it further recommended safety precautions on the distribution network in the case of fire outbreaks.
Honourable Sheriff Abba Sanyang, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala tabled the report before the deputies for adoption, shortly before moving motion on the adjournment debate last Wednesday. The report also highlighted some key areas such as the participation in loan negotiations for Nawec, limited cash power selling outlets, reliability and accuracy of the cash power system report, non-maintenance of fixed assets register, bad debts, and trade debtors among other things. It recommended for Nawec's participation in loan negotiations given that they have the expertise and are in a position to better negotiate to ensure safe, effective and affordable provision of utility services to its customers.
On the limited cash power supply
The report revealed that the committee noted with concern the limited number of cash power selling outlets and further recommended that Nawec should establish more cash power selling outlets not only to generate revenue but to enhance accessibility by customers. In the report, the committee further observed the variation in the reported figures, which could lead to under/over reporting of revenue under cash power sales. It recommended that the management of Nawec report the matter to the software providers so that it can be corrected to avoid the issue from recurring in the future.
Non-maintenance of fixed assets register
The report of the PAC/PEC recommend that Nawec maintain a fixed assets register to, among other things serve as a planning and accountability tool, determine how to position or ready the institution to face the future with confidence, enable auditors to perform audit procedures to ascertain the valuation of property, plant equipment for amounts reported in the financial statements.
Bad debts
The joint committee noted with grave concern in the report the issue of bad debts and recommended that attempts be made to recover the debts involved among other things. On the transfer of capital costs to consumers by Nawec, the joint committee's report noted with concern the practice of shifting the burden of service delivery on to customers, like the procurement of electric poles and pipes for water supply. It strongly recommended that Nawec being a service provider should not transfer its capital costs to customers.
The report also stated on the result of the findings on trade debtors that Nawec resorted to huge overdraft facilities to finance its operations. It recommended that the institution put in place an aggressive strategic plan for the recovery of its outstanding debts.
Author: by Musa Ndow
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2010 : 16:39:10
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So, NAWEC have learned their lesson,it appears that they have got their act together a little bit in informing the population of progress, and in the way that the spokesman is allowed to do this,a step in the right direction, keep it up NAWEC,although the piece does indicate that everything is fine,perhaps a couple of highlights indicating the probable state of affairs might be approperate
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/restoration-work-at-kotu-power-station-as-power-outages-continue
"He said that looking at the revolution of the power station, it has been in existence since 1998 when the system was very small. He added that with expansion at a very high rate, the system is more complex than the initial one and as a result, there is the need for additional investment to match up those developments."
Where is the money coming from ? as it is appearent that the existing framework and equipment is no longer fit for purpose.
AND.
"When asked the exact day the restoration will be finally completed in order for people to get back their normal electricity supply, Fatajo declined to give a definite day, and said: "You know we are technical people and then at times you can set a target for yourself and there may be some unfortunate circumstance which may be beyond you." He however, stated Nawec's determination to ensure that everything possible is done to ensure normalcy."
This is interesting and important,something that the technical staff have little control over if new equipment is to be paid for:
"you can set a target for yourself and there may be some unfortunate circumstance which may be beyond you."
In other words if we can get the money.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 18 Oct 2010 16:40:11 |
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