“Economy Suffocating Due to Negligence and Corruption at NAWEC,” Marr Nyang Warns, Urges Urgent Government Action

By Seedy Jobe

The Executive Director of Gambia Participates, Marr Nyang, has raised alarm over persistent challenges in the country’s energy sector, warning that unreliable electricity supply, high tariffs, and delays in infrastructure development pose serious threats to economic growth and public health.

Speaking at an emergency press conference on Thursday, Nyang stressed that access to stable and affordable electricity is essential for business development and the overall quality of life of citizens.

He called on the government and key stakeholders to accelerate reforms in the energy sector while demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management of public utilities.

“Electricity is the energy that the economy breathes. Without it, it will suffocate, and that’s exactly what is happening right now.” Nyang said. “This economy has suffocated, not because of anything, but because of the negligence and corruption at NAWEC.”

Nyang urged President Adama Barrow to take decisive action and hold the leadership of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) accountable for its performance.

“They are not telling you the truth, and that’s the honest reality,” he stated. “Go and ask the president; go and read the SOE report. When NAWEC did not meet the KPIs, they imposed sanctions on NAWEC by reducing the salaries of the top management by 5%, and they put extra sanctions on it that if you do not do better, this is going to be the result. I just hope the SOE will do that. So we don’t want defenses.”

Highlighting the broader impact of the power crisis, Nyang pointed to emerging public health risks linked to unreliable electricity supply.

“One of the biggest risks is actually attached to health risks. Did you guys notice that mosquitoes are now more present in our households than ever before outside the rainy season? Some of our clinics and hospitals are also sometimes operating in auto darkness,” he emphasized, adding that poor ventilation and excessive heat worsen conditions for asthmatic patients.

He faulted NAWEC’s leadership and board composition, indicating audit findings that some board members lacked hydraulic engineering experience.

“Auditors also did mention that NAWEC in 2021, their board members do not have hydraulic engineering experience. How can you put someone in a boat that does not understand issues of water?” Nyang asked.

He argued that the challenges facing NAWEC extend beyond technical limitations, describing them as systemic issues rooted in poor governance.

“This is not a mere technical problem. This is a persistent corruption and negligence and effect, ineffectiveness and ineptitude at NAWEC. And that is now affecting our economy; it’s affecting our livelihood, it’s affecting our healthcare system,” he said.

Nyang also expressed disappointment over recent remarks by President Adama Barrow referring to The Gambia as a “Third World country.” He cautioned that such statements could undermine national confidence and morale.

He urged national leaders to promote a more balanced narrative—one that acknowledges existing challenges while also highlighting progress and fostering a sense of national pride.