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Momodou
Denmark
11722 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 conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 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
11722 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 conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 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
12311 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 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
7765 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
7765 Posts |
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toubab1020
12311 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
7765 Posts |
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Momodou
Denmark
11722 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2013 : 16:46:39
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CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN OF IRREGULAR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY NAWEC SPOKESPERSON EXPLAINS
By Amie Sanneh
Foroyaa: Published on Friday, 19 July 2013
Customers of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) are complaining of irregular electricity supply in their various locations in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA). The small economic operators whose livelihoods are sustained by the sale of food items, cold drinks and services that entirely depend on electricity supply are complaining the most. In an interview with a fishmonger at the Serrekunda Market, she lamented that the irregular electricity supply is something that is affecting her business. Awa Njie explained that she normally relies on ice block to keep her leftover sales for the next market day to prevent it from spoiling.
According to her, ice block can only be available if there is electricity. “Sometimes we spend the whole evening looking for ice block if electricity is not available where we normally buy our ice blocks,” she said. Awa described her business as her livelihood, noting that it is through it that she takes care of her family. She said,”As we are in the Muslim month of Ramadan and coupled with the irregular electricity supply, it is more difficult now to get ice blocks,” adding that people without refrigerators or electricity do buy ice blocks from them to have something cold to drink after breaking the fast in this humid period.
Awa finally appealed to NAWEC to help provide regular electricity supply to the consumers. A tailor in Serrekunda described the electricity shortage as harmful to his business. He explained that it is the main reason why he bought a generator; but due to the high cost of fuel, he has decided to put the machine aside and only uses it when he has an emergency.
He explained that tailoring is the only trade he knows and therefore relies on it for his livelihood. He appealed to NAWEC to help provide regular electricity supply to the people for the sake of the Ramadan. Also speaking to this reporter, a housewife residing in Churchill Town, Binta Suso, said she does not know if NAWEC always forget about them when it comes to electricity.
She said before she used to go to the market for shopping once every week and then keep the perishable food items in her refrigerator, but that now with the poor electricity supply this is no longer possible. For sake of the Ramadan, Binta said she is appealing to NAWEC to help them with regular electricity.
When the NAWEC Spokesperson was contacted over the phone, Pierre Sylva explained that the reason why customers are experiencing irregular electricity supply which has been on for a while now is because the demand is more than what they can supply.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jul 2013 : 12:24:09
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Very little progress appears to have been made since Oct 2011,maybe these words should be put into practice after 2 years.
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
PRESIDENTIAL YELLOW CARD FOR NAWEC
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2013 : 23:43:21
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Perhaps it's time for THE RED CARD !
"This reporter made efforts to talk to the NAWEC PRO on the issue, but the PRO was not available for immediate comment until press time."
A quick chat with Police P.R.O David Kujabi,could give this NAWEC P.R.O.a few pointers on how to be a high profile P.R.O.,it can be done in Gambia as David Kujabi has shown.
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13419
Electricity Blackout Within Kanifing Municipality Creates Outcry
Published on Wednesday, 25 September 2013 17:55 | Written by Kebba Camara
By Kebba Camara
People residing around the Kanifing Municipality have been complaining of lack of electricity in the area for more than 24 hours. Many complained that for most of Sunday and Monday, they have not had electricity supply. One woman who lives in Churchill’s town told this paper that her business is not doing well these days because her main business is to make ice blocks for sale. She told this reporter that not only did she lose income because of the lack of electricity, but the other food stuffs she puts in her fridge also got spoilt because of the lack of electricity. Babucarr Jeng, a welder who lives in Wellingara and has his work shop in Serrekunda told this reporter that since Sunday, he had not done a single job at the workshop because of the lack of electricity.
He complained that he has got lots of work to do; but he would sit the whole day waiting for electricity, but to no avail. He finally called on NAWEC to help them stabilize electricity supply because he is affected so much. Solomon Offori, a Nigerian Internet Café Operator also complained of the lack of electricity. “This is frustrating. We pay the rent and do lots of other expenditures, but it makes no sense just to sit down here the whole day without doing business, not all the internet cafés can afford to buy generators and buy fuel on a daily basis for the generator.
The lack of electricity around the Kanifing Municipality is really affecting us.” Other business operators who spoke to this reporter yesterday lamented similar constraints, all expressing frustration over the lack of electricity supply. This reporter made efforts to talk to the NAWEC PRO on the issue, but the PRO was not available for immediate comment until press time.
http://www.foroyaa.gm/burning-issues/14224-electricity-blackout-within-kanifing-municipality-creates-outcry
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
PRESIDENTIAL YELLOW CARD FOR NAWEC
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 26 Sep 2013 14:41:41 |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 20:13:09
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The Point is now adding fuel to the conflagration :
NAWEC again!
africa » gambia
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The electricity supply situation in this country has deteriorated abysmally for the past one month or so. From Banjul to Brikama, people have literally been thrown into darkness, making life very difficult for everyone, especially now that the stifling heat has started.
While we do not know exactly what the problem is, we want to state that the frequent power cuts these days seem to be strange.
As we move towards yet another tourist season, NAWEC should understand that the prolonged blackouts could endanger our tourism sector, which is one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners and employment providers.
As people have had to sleep in oppressive heat at night, health conditions and body temperatures have been running high, with the result that more people are complaining of headaches, asthma and high blood pressure, not to mention the reality that more and more people are likely to be afflicted by malaria.
However, in this dire situation, it is imperative that we again ask: What is really the problem?
We were told some time ago that NAWEC is owed over D150 million by area councils and other institutions across the country.
According to the recent reports presented to the Public Accounts/Enterprises Committees of the National Assembly, there still remains a huge amount of money owed to Nawec by certain institutions.
While we do not want to be seen as taking sides with NAWEC, we believe that NAWEC cannot perform its responsibilities with this huge amount of debt being owed to the national utility company by other institutions.
As we have always pointed out in these pages, service delivery at any level is a very demanding business. It requires enough resources, integrity and energy.
Anyone who wants quality service delivery, especially from NAWEC must be willing to pay for the service. To complain of poor quality service delivery, when one does not pay his or her bills on time is really unacceptable, and morally indefensible, especially when one owes huge arrears to NAWEC.
While we also hope that the management of NAWEC is doing everything possible to address this problem, we want to urge them to expedite its work to bring the current situation to normality, for the good of the nation and the national economy.
The benefits of having uninterrupted power supply day in day out are too numerous, and a constant energy supply is the pivot of any modern economy.
“I’m not frightened of the darkness outside. It’s the darkness inside houses I don’t like”.
Anonymous
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/nawec-again-2 |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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NAWEC again in the news.
