The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority has revealed it is spending a staggering D2.5 million on electricity per month, as it welcomed the launch of a renewable project that seeks to help mitigate climate change in the country.

Nfansu Bojang, director general of Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, told reporters they want to ensure that “we don’t maintain it but we grow it.”

 “We are aware of the issues of maintenance and sustainability, but as a major consumer of electricity, we currently spend close to D2.5m a month on electricity. So, that’s a major cost for us,” he said.

“We are highly dependent on electricity as an institution but also civil aviation as an industry. We are one of the biggest contributors of emission of CO2 and pollution of the environment. 

“So, going green is one of the most favourite themes for our industry. Therefore, to have such a project coming to our airport couldn’t be timely,” he added.

“We are excited and [we are] looking forward to it. I think when we have this it will definitely resource our contribution to pollution, but more importantly it will enhance our efficiency in terms of productivity.”

According to Mr Bojang, the airport is required to have a guaranteed 24 hours electricity, adding they also are required to have a backup system.

He lamented the high cost of resources they spend on operating the airport’s machines, adding “which are huge machines on heavy fuel.”

“We have to have trained personnel to man those equipment 24 hours a day and constant running of them also increases maintenance, we have to buy spares, we have to buy oil and and a lot of other things. 

“Therefore to have renewable energy which is not only efficient, but it is more cost effective will definitely create a lot of saving for us,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba