The leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has described the country’s worsening electricity crisis as a national emergency, calling on the government and the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to provide clear answers and urgent solutions to end the prolonged power outages affecting citizens and businesses.

Mr Kandeh said the persistent electricity disruptions have moved beyond mere inconvenience and are now causing serious hardship across the country, with households, businesses, health facilities and communication services all feeling the impact.

“The continued power outages have gone beyond mere inconvenience and have now become a serious national emergency with severe consequences for households, businesses, healthcare services, communication systems, and the economy as a whole,” he said.

The GDC leader said businesses are losing millions of dalasis daily as they struggle to cope with rising operational costs brought about by the unstable power supply.

He added that many families are being forced to spend money they can scarcely afford on fuel, water and other basic necessities while enduring sleepless nights due to the ongoing electricity shortages.

Mr Kandeh also warned that the tourism sector, one of the country’s key economic drivers, risks suffering reputational damage if the crisis continues.

While acknowledging that utility providers can face unforeseen challenges, he argued that Gambians deserve greater transparency from the authorities after weeks of uncertainty.

“The GDC recognizes that unforeseen circumstances may arise in the management of any utility system.

However, after weeks of suffering and uncertainty, Gambians deserve more than appeals for patience,” he said.
“They deserve clear answers, transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive roadmap for resolving this crisis and preventing its recurrence.”

The opposition leader called on the government and NAWEC to provide a full account of the causes of the current outages, explain the measures being taken to restore stable electricity supply and outline long-term plans to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.

“We therefore call on the Government and the management of NAWEC to provide the nation with a full and honest account of the causes of the current situation, the immediate measures being undertaken to restore stable electricity, and the long-term plans aimed at strengthening our energy infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Kandeh stressed that reliable electricity is essential for economic growth, quality healthcare, effective education, job creation and national development.

“Reliable electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said.

“As a responsible opposition party, the GDC stands with the Gambian people during this difficult period and urges all stakeholders to place national interest above all else.”

His remarks come amid growing public frustration over recurring power cuts, with the government and NAWEC facing increasing pressure to restore stable electricity supply across the country.

“The suffering of Gambians must not be normalized,” Mr Kandeh said.

“The people deserve solutions, and they deserve them now.”

By Adama Makasuba