The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed an approximately $11.9 million contract with Chinese electrical equipment manufacturer TBEA Company Limited to upgrade electricity infrastructure and expand access across the Greater Banjul Area.

The 18-month China-Aid Greater Banjul Area Electricity Improvement Project is expected to rehabilitate medium- and low-voltage networks, install modern equipment and extend electricity connections to underserved communities.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, more than 40 communities are expected to benefit from the project, with an estimated 80,000 people set to gain improved access to electricity.

Thousands of households, businesses, schools and health facilities are also expected to benefit from the planned improvements.

The agreement was signed by NAWEC on behalf of the Gambian government as part of continued efforts to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure.

Petroleum, Energy and Mines Minister Nani Juwara thanked the government and people of China for their continued support for The Gambia’s socioeconomic development.

Juwara said the government remained committed to achieving universal electricity access, describing reliable and affordable power as an important part of the country’s development agenda.

NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy said the success of the project would ultimately be measured by improvements experienced by consumers.

He said the project was expected to deliver more reliable electricity, fewer outages and greater access for households and businesses.

Saidy added that improved electricity services would support economic activity, education, healthcare and the wider wellbeing of communities.

Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia Liu Jin described electricity as one of the five priority areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He said the project would increase power-line capacity, reduce transmission losses and address unstable supply and inadequate electricity coverage in parts of the Greater Banjul Area.

Ambassador Liu also expressed confidence that TBEA would complete the work to the required standards.

He encouraged technical exchanges and vocational training to strengthen the country’s local technical workforce.

The Ministry described the agreement as another milestone in the partnership between The Gambia and China.

The project is expected to strengthen the Greater Banjul Area’s electricity network while expanding access to communities, businesses and public institutions.

By Adama Makasuba