By Buba Gagigo
The State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Commission has announced a 5% reduction in the salaries of National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) staff due to their failure to meet key performance indicators outlined in their performance contract.
In an announcement shared on The State House of the Gambia’s Facebook page, the SOE Commission presented its report on NAWEC’s performance to President Adama Barrow on Wednesday morning.
“President Adama Barrow Wednesday received the Commission on State-Owned Enterprises and the National Water and Electricity Company – NAWEC’s Board and management on Wednesday at his office. The Commissioners, led by Chairman Mr. Ousainou Ngum, presented the results of their assessment of NAWEC’s performance for 2021-2022. The evaluation included NAWEC’s financial, technical, operational, and management performance during the review period. The Commission determined that NAWEC only achieved 30% and 20% of the targets set for its Key Performance Indicators in 2021 and 2022, respectively,” The State House of the Gambia said.
According to the report, Executive Secretary Mr. Bai Madi Ceesay stated that the 2017 baseline was used for the key performance indicators. He added that the Chairman had given NAWEC the opportunity to strategize solutions for better future performance.
In response to the report, President Barrow noted that the SOE Commission’s work is crucial for holding institutions accountable, a key part of his administration’s public sector reform agenda.
“While acknowledging NAWEC’s challenges, President Barrow emphasized the importance of the institution taking ownership of its performance and not making excuses. Recognizing NAWEC’s recent efforts, the President instructed the Commission to implement its recommendations while taking into account the steps NAWEC has taken in recent times.
“The Commission will reduce the salaries of NAWEC staff by 5% for not meeting the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) targets set for 2021-2022. The SOE Commission will fully implement the next appraisal recommendations, considering the support NAWEC is currently receiving from the Government of The Gambia and Partners. The top management is advised to take the challenges seriously, as electricity is crucial to the lives of the people, and the promise to deliver must be upheld,” they explained.
According to the report on the State House page, NAWEC officials contended that using 2017 as a baseline for evaluation was unfair. They pointed out that NAWEC lacked audited accounts for that year and was undergoing a challenging transition.
Former Managing Director and current Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Honourable Nani Juwara, suggested using 2022 figures for a fairer baseline, reflecting current improvements.
“The former Managing Director and current Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Honourable Nani Juwara, stated that using the figures from 2022 would provide a fairer baseline, considering the current situation and system improvements. He expressed hope that a good foundation has been established for better performance.” the statement reads
Current Managing Director Galo Saidy accepted the decision and pledged to work harder with his team to improve performance. He emphasized that the senior management’s presence signifies their commitment to enhancing the company’s performance.
“The current Managing Director, Gallo Saidy, stated that they have accepted the decision and pledged to work harder with his team for better performance. He emphasized that the presence of the senior management serves as a testimony for everyone to take responsibility for improving the company’s performance,” they said.
Finance Minister Honourable Seedy Keita praised the SOE Commission and highlighted NAWEC’s significant economic impact on the country, stressing the need for support in its transformation efforts.
In February 2023, President Barrow oversaw the signing of performance contracts with SOEs to address underperformance. Following the passing of the SOE Bill and the establishment of the SOE Commission, notable Gambians with expertise in various fields were appointed to assist SOEs in improving their service delivery performance.