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Momodou
Denmark
6033 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 14:21:37
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A rare pat on the back
Daily News Editorial: 'Jarama' NAWEC
 Wednesday, August 08, 2012
The understanding NAWEC gives to the public is that, in its supply of electricity, customers are connected through different generators. As a result, there can be power in one community when the neighbour is denied. Even more baffling for a layman, is that two households in one compound are at times not connected through the same line. How NAWEC is able to do that could worth a day’s seminar.
Meanwhile, it is a situation that calls for caution against speaking in general terms when one rants about the inconveniences of NAWEC’s poor electricity supply services. Or when one praises the performances of this state-owned hegemonic producer, distributor and supplier of electricity.
On this particular occasion, however, The Daily News wishes to dare the risks to speak in general terms, though there are exceptions that in recent times, there have been commendable improvements at NAWEC. For as far as our consultations are concerned, and if they are anything to go by, there has been steady supply of electricity at least within the Greater Banjul Area.
Power outages which used to be our bedfellows are now rare. Even when it occurs, it no longer takes eternity before we start using our appliances again. This is a far cry from what used to exist – just a few months ago. Not only the Greater Banjul, but some parts of the Kombos are in a similar enjoyment.
It is important, therefore, that all fingers are crossed in prayers for this pleasant, strange bedfellow to stay. In fact, prayers might not be enough. Also needed is not only the fulfillment of duty by all stakeholders, but a concerted effort in which all the players will kick the ball to the same direction.
Reliable energy supply is crucial to the country’s economic development endeavours. NAWEC, as an incorporated body, owes a duty to the public and the nation. However, to fulfill its duty, NAWEC has to correct its wrong ways.
Reliable reports, based on concrete findings, showed that the company is overstaffed, though NAWEC authorities insist that the company still needs more staff. These two views are contradictory and cannot be all absolutely correct. If NAWEC authorities are partly right, and the other views too are partly correct, there can be only one possibility. That is, there are too many square pegs in round holes. This is a problem for NAWEC to address to save money, hire the needed calibre of staff, reduce its debts and improve on its services.
Moreover, as the saying goes: Innovation is the mother of inventions. NAWEC has to innovate to be able to substantially satisfy the demands that will undoubtedly remain high. At several PURA-convened public hearings, suggestions that NAWEC should explore other energy sources have become a music to the ear.
The Gambia is dry almost throughout the year. Even during the wet season, the weather is almost always humid. What then is NAWEC waiting for to solarise energy services. Or even exploit the wind! These alternative energy sources are relevant, especially if NAWEC is to meet its rural electrification demands.
While NAWEC is urged to make internal corrections and to innovate, the public is equally implored to fulfill its responsibilities to the company. Nowhere in the world are electricity services for free. Neither are they cheap, though the prices vary from one country to another. And NAWEC’s, unfortunately, is considered one of the highest in Africa. There are factors responsible for this - some may be justified, many may not be. In any case, anyone benefiting from electricity services should be ready to pay for them.
In fact, with the introduction of the pre-paid billing system, the problem of people owing NAWEC should now have been history. The problem however persists because NAWEC is apparently cherry-picking on who to connect through the pre-paid and who to ask to pay the debt.
In the recent past, a list of debtors was published. Surprisingly, names in it were of persons and institutions of prominence – public and private. There is a dilemma, as anytime the Office of the President, which was one of the defaulters, is denied electricity for defaulting in payment, at best, heads will roll like a dice.
Matter-of-fact, the National Assembly had promised to do a follow up to the publication, but soon gave up. This was rather unfortunate and neither the public nor NAWEC should forgive the parliament for abdicating its responsibility. Apparently, here is where PURA, in pursuance of its slogan to ensure ‘equity in development’, should come in to ensure that there is no untouchable.
Credit, it is often said, should be given where it is due. In that regard, NAWEC, on this not-so-frequent occasion, deserves a tab on the back for fulfilling its promise to its customers that after July 16, electricity supply would be improved. The Daily News, as a mass medium, hence the voice of the masses, wishes to say: jarama NAWEC.
Source: Daily News |
A clear concience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
7534 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 15:33:08
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Partnership maybe?
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/nawec-seeks-partnership-with-senelec-to-boost-power-supply
OK,probably sensible,Senegal is a much bigger country than Gambia and has more resources,so if this proposal means that Gambia will BUY generated electricity wholesale from Senegal and then resell it to Nawec customers that could make sense for Gambia,after all Gambia and Senegalese people have cultural and genetic links together,the fact that Senegal was colonised by the french and Gambia by the British resulting in different official languages being spoken makes very little difference because both peoples speak the same African tribal languages.Generators and transmission equipment cost lots of money and fuel to keep generators working is expensive,a good thought but I can see political implications looming, and a feeling of a take over of Gambia by Senegal. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 09 Aug 2012 15:34:39 |
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Momodou
Denmark
6033 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2012 : 15:58:43
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OMVG has been on the way since the late 60s or early 1970s. I thought this organisation was dead, may be thats why a new name OMVS.
Toubab, lack of electricity was worse in Senegal last year than Gambia. They too have their own problems. |
A clear concience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
7534 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2012 : 11:38:33
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Thanks for that info Momodou,I wonder why it has been resurrected,where there is a chance of MONEY to be made and increased political power then this will be actively considered by all parties,think about it, MAYBE grants for ECOWAS members (or other grant sources ) in joint enterprises,building community inter-country power stations on a grand scale,(heavy industry, has to be bought from industrilised countries)grand transmission cabling projects to create jobs in both countries inter-country trade in wholesale electricity,and electrical consumer products someone has realised that Gambia cannot succeed in its Cashpower "taxation" programme without available electrical generation.Just a few of MY Thoughts
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 10 Aug 2012 12:31:38 |
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toubab1020
7534 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
6908 Posts |
Posted - 27 Oct 2012 : 04:52:45
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FREEDOM NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 27 Oct 2012 04:53:19 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
6908 Posts |
Posted - 30 Nov 2012 : 23:23:05
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 30 Nov 2012 23:50:00 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
6908 Posts |
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toubab1020
7534 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2013 : 17:32:58
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Another very sensible idea that involves traceability of payment by computer programme has bitten the dust in favour of CASH transactions,anoth sign of development paralysis maybe.
quote:
Originally posted by kobo
QPOWER SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE NAWEC PRO EXPLAINS
SOURCE:Foroyaa News:Published Tuesday,March 26,2013
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
6908 Posts |
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NAWEC again in the news.
