The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice, through its Nawec Watch initiative, welcomes the commitments announced by President Adama Barrow in his 8 September 2026 address on the country’s persistent electricity crisis. At the same time, EFSCRJ stresses that the people of The Gambia need delivery, not further assurances.
The President announced five key measures:
- The installation of an additional 24 MW generation machine at Brikama Power Station, to be commissioned by the end of October 2026;
- A 50 MW solar power plant in Soma, for which the contract has been awarded;
- A Presidential Task Force on Electricity Supply, chaired by the Vice President and required to provide public updates every two weeks;
- Continued intensive technical work at the power plants; and
- A commitment that electricity supply will improve by the end of October 2026.
EFSCRJ considers these to be specific and measurable public commitments. We will therefore monitor their implementation and report to the public on whether Government delivers on them.
In particular, EFSCRJ Nawec Watch will track whether the 24 MW Brikama generation facility is commissioned by the end of October, whether the 50 MW Soma solar project moves from contract award to actual construction and eventual generation, and whether the Presidential Task Force fulfils its commitment to provide public updates every two weeks.
We will also monitor the most important question for ordinary citizens: does electricity supply actually improve? Government must provide evidence of improvement, including transparent information on generation capacity, availability, outages, and the measures being taken to ensure reliable supply.
EFSCRJ further calls for transparency regarding the cost, financing, contracts, implementation arrangements, and expected results of the announced interventions. Public resources are being committed to addressing a crisis that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of citizens. The public therefore has a legitimate right to know how these resources are being used and whether they are producing value for money.
President Barrow stated that he would not promise what Government cannot deliver and expressly committed to an improvement in electricity supply by the end of October 2026. EFSCRJ will hold this commitment on record and assess the Government’s performance against it. The current electricity crisis cannot be resolved through statements alone. Promises must have deadlines, deadlines must produce results, and failure to deliver must attract accountability.
EFSCRJ Nawec Watch will continue monitoring NAWEC and Government interventions and will keep citizens informed. The people of The Gambia deserve reliable electricity, transparent management of public resources and accountable leadership.
EFSCRJ NAWEC WATCH
Monitoring Electricity. Tracking Promises. Demanding Accountability.
2026 – The Year of Empowerment: Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
