Residents across the Greater Banjul Area are facing prolonged and increasingly frequent electricity outages, with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) attributing the disruption to technical challenges and warning that the situation could persist until mid-June 2026.

Many households and businesses have reported hours-long blackouts, with some communities saying the power cuts are disrupting daily life, commercial activity, and essential services.

NAWEC has said the outages are linked to ongoing technical faults and limitations in generation capacity, as well as constraints affecting supply stability. The utility has previously indicated that full stabilisation may not be achieved until mid-June, depending on the restoration of key systems.

However, frustration is growing among affected residents, many of whom have taken to social media to express anger over the worsening situation and call for accountability within the energy sector.

One commenter said: “I can’t understand why Gallo Saidy is so arrogant and unprofessional. This guy should be sacked as Nawec MD.”

Another commenter said the persistent electricity crisis is unacceptable, arguing that reliable power supply is essential for healthcare, education, business operations and national development.

The commenter said government must take urgent and decisive action to address the root causes of the crisis, including investment in sustainable infrastructure and stronger accountability in the energy sector.

The commenter added that Gambians deserve a stable and reliable electricity supply that supports economic growth and job creation.

A third commenter said households are suffering direct financial losses as a result of the outages, particularly due to spoiled food and damaged stored goods.

The commenter said: “Households have lost so much food and other essentials from their fridges due to these endless power outages, yet we are being told that electricity will only be stable by mid-June.

The commenter described the situation as stressful and frustrating, adding that families and businesses are bearing the daily burden of the crisis.

The ongoing power challenges have intensified public pressure on authorities, with calls growing for long-term solutions to what many describe as a recurring national problem affecting nearly every aspect of life in the Greater Banjul Area.

By Adama Makasuba