By Sana Camara
The President of the Republic has promised the people of Jarra and Kiang in the Lower River Region (LRR) that their areas would be the first to benefit from the implementation of the government’s power roadmap developed a year ago.
The country has also secured a $200million power transmission and distribution funding through the said roadmap, with the objective of countrywide electrification programme. This programme is to be implemented in the next three years, officials said.
“Works have begun on the the OMVG Hydro-electric power generation, which will set up a station in Soma. This will greatly boost the current national capacity that enables Kombo and Farafenni to enjoy 24 hours power supply; while Basse also enjoys 20hours power supply today,” he told a meeting in Soma.
A joint African Development Bank, World Bank and OMVG project, costing $150 Million, Minister Fafa Sanynag, responsible for energy, told a meeting in Jarra on Sunday.
He explained that when the new government came, it found most power grids weak and generators dysfunctional. However, the Barrow-led government had made it a policy to come up with development plans and strategies that are subject to debates in cabinet.
“Kiang and Jarra have been stagnate for 22 years. You were punished for your political views and consistent stance against the dictatorship. Now, it is time you emerge from darkness and enjoy basic amenities like the rest of The Gambia,” President Barrow told them, comparing them to a boulder by the sea: high and low water levels come and leave it where it is.
“The region will also enjoy a solar power system alongside the thermal generated one. Lack of power supply here will be a thing of the past,” the President assured them.
He said he has given directives for the power roadmap implementation to begin in the Jarras and Kiang.
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