The National Water and Electricity Company has suspended staff movements to and from its Head Office and tightened security measures ahead of a planned public protest on Friday over the ongoing electricity and water crisis.

In an internal memo circulated to staff, NAWEC management said it had been informed of a planned demonstration related to the recent power supply situation in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region.

The utility company said all staff and official vehicles must enter the Head Office premises by 8:30 a.m. on Friday, after which access restrictions will be enforced.

“Field operations staff must suspend all movement to and from the Head Office from 8:30 AM,” the memo stated.

Management also advised all NAWEC-owned and rented vehicles to avoid protest routes and areas where demonstrations are expected to take place, particularly vehicles carrying NAWEC logos or identification.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful assembly, the company said the measures were necessary to protect staff and company assets.

“Management fully respects the right to peaceful assembly, but the safety and wellbeing of all staff remains our top priority,” the memo said.

NAWEC added that operational departments would receive additional instructions depending on developments and urged employees to report any security concerns immediately.

The planned protest comes amid growing public frustration over weeks of electricity outages and water supply disruptions affecting communities across the Greater Banjul Area and parts of the West Coast Region.

By Adama Makasuba