President Adama Barrow has acknowledged shortcomings in the government’s planning, power generation and maintenance systems as The Gambia continues to face prolonged electricity disruptions.

In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, President Barrow said his government was aware of the hardship caused by the blackouts and committed to improving electricity supply by the end of October 2026.

“I must admit, however, the shortcomings in our planning, power generation, and maintenance systems to take corrective measures,” he said.

The address came amid widespread public frustration over power cuts, including candlelight protests in parts of the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region.

Barrow said the government was working with NAWEC management, ministers and international partners to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

He said the current challenges were also being experienced across the region, with the West African Power Pool reporting widespread electricity shortages in several countries.

According to Barrow, record electricity demand, failures of major generating units and seasonal conditions affecting hydropower production through the OMVG have contributed to the crisis.

He said the government was in the final stages of installing an additional 24 megawatts of generation capacity at the Brikama Power Station, which is expected to be commissioned by the end of October.

Barrow also announced that a contract had been awarded for a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Soma, with the contractor mobilising to begin work.

He said the solar project would reduce pressure on conventional generators during the day, allowing them to meet higher evening demand.

The president has also established a Presidential Task Force on Electricity Supply, chaired by the Vice President, which will report directly to him and provide public updates every two weeks.

He said engineers were working continuously at power plants to restore and improve electricity supply.

Barrow also highlighted what he described as significant progress in electricity access since he came to power, saying national access had increased from 36% in 2017 to about 90% today.

“We have made impressive progress,” he said, adding that his administration was determined to make similar progress in power generation.

However, Barrow appealed to citizens not to damage public electricity infrastructure during protests.

He said residents had the right to express their concerns but warned that destroying transformers, power lines and other equipment would worsen the crisis and increase the resources needed for repairs.

“I will not promise you what the Government cannot deliver,” Barrow said.

“But we commit that the electricity supply situation in the country will improve by the end of October 2026.”

He appealed to Gambians to remain patient and exercise restraint, particularly in consideration of vulnerable people affected by the blackouts.

“Your engineers are awake, the Government is awake, and your President is awake with you,” he said.

Barrow said his administration understood the hardship being experienced by citizens and would continue working until reliable electricity supply was restored.

By Adama Makasuba