The Gambia government has signed electricity contracts worth approximately US$14.2 million to connect 241 communities in the Upper River Region (URR) and Central River Region (CRR) to the national power network.

The major expansion project, being implemented through NAWEC and fully financed by the national budget, is expected to deliver electricity infrastructure to communities that remain without access to power.

Under the contracts, approximately 377 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 248 kilometres of low-voltage networks and 219 distribution transformers will be installed across the two regions.

The CRR component accounts for the larger share of the project, covering 148 villages at a contract value of approximately US$8.81 million.

Alpha TND will implement the CRR works, which will include 223 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 165 kilometres of low-voltage networks and 140 distribution transformers.

In the Upper River Region, 93 villages will benefit from the project under a contract valued at approximately US$5.35 million.

Power Factor Limited will implement the URR component, involving 154 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 83 kilometres of low-voltage networks and 79 distribution transformers.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding electricity access across the country.

He said the government’s objective was to ensure that no community is left behind in the drive towards universal electricity access.
The project is expected to have a direct impact on communities by improving access to electricity for households while supporting schools, health facilities and local businesses.

Government also expects the expansion of the electricity network to contribute to economic activity and create an improved environment for investment and development in the two regions.

The signing represents another major step in the government’s efforts to extend electricity infrastructure beyond areas already connected to the national grid.

Once implemented, the project will bring hundreds of kilometres of new power lines and hundreds of transformers to communities in CRR and URR, extending the reach of electricity services to thousands of residents.

The government said the investment forms part of its broader drive to achieve universal electricity access and support national development through improved energy infrastructure.

By Adama Makasuba