On Friday, the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) received a petition from the advocacy group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) requesting 10 days to restore dependable water and electricity services nationwide.
The petition was submitted during a protest at NAWEC’s headquarters, where members of the group gathered to express concern over what they described as the company’s continued failure to provide consistent access to essential services.
Presenting the petition, GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara said the document was addressed to the NAWEC Managing Director under the subject “10-Day Ultimatum for the Resolution of Reliable Electricity and Water Supply Across The Gambia.”
Camara said the petition reflected growing public frustration over recurring power outages and water shortages affecting households, businesses, and public institutions nationwide.
“We, Gambians Against Looted Assets, hereby submit this petition to express our profound concern and outrage over the persistent failure of NAWEC to provide reliable and adequate electricity and water supply to the people of The Gambia,” he said.
According to GALA, years of intermittent electricity and water supply have caused significant hardship for citizens, with many communities still experiencing frequent disruptions despite repeated assurances from the utility provider.
The group expressed its disinterest in promises or explanations, insisting on immediate and measurable improvements.
“We are not seeking further promises, excuses, or timelines. We are demanding tangible actions and measurable results,” Camara said.
GALA then issued a formal 10-day deadline, calling on NAWEC to take all necessary steps to restore stable electricity and water supply nationwide.
“Accordingly, GALA hereby issues a 10-day ultimatum to NAWEC to take all necessary measures to restore and normalize reliable electricity and water supply across The Gambia,” he read.
The group warned that failure to make meaningful and sustainable improvements within the stipulated period would prompt further action through lawful and constitutional means.
“Should NAWEC fail to demonstrate concrete and sustainable improvement in the supply of electricity and water within the stipulated 10-day period, GALA will reserve the right to pursue lawful, peaceful, and constitutional means to hold NAWEC, its management, and relevant public authorities accountable for the continued failure,” Camara said.
The petition ended with what the group described as three non-negotiable demands: the restoration of reliable electricity, the restoration of consistent water supply, and immediate action within the specified timeframe.
“Our demands are clear: restore electricity and restore water. Ten days. No excuses and no delays,” Camara said.
The petition was signed by GALA General Secretary Omar Sanyang.
