Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines Nani Juwara has defended the Barrow administration’s record on electricity, urging Gambians frustrated by persistent power cuts to remain patient while arguing that the government has significantly expanded access to electricity.
Speaking at a governing National People’s Party rally in New Jeshwang over the weekend, Juwara acknowledged growing public concern over electricity shortages, including nighttime outages in some communities.
He said, however, that the current challenges should be viewed against what he described as major improvements in the energy sector since President Adama Barrow came to power.
Juwara attributed the increase in electricity consumption partly to improved access and economic development. He said more households and businesses now have multiple electricity meters and increasingly use appliances such as air conditioners.
“President Barrow made it possible for several meters to be installed in one compound, whereas previously only one meter was found per compound,” Juwara said. “Air conditioning is now common in homes and offices, compared to the past when only fans were available.”
The minister claimed that electricity access has increased to about 90 percent of communities nationwide, compared with 43 percent before Barrow assumed office. He did not provide supporting data during his remarks.
Juwara said the government remains committed to Barrow’s pledge to extend electricity access to every community by the end of 2026.
However, he acknowledged that increased access has also placed greater pressure on the national electricity system. Growing demand from households and businesses, particularly for air conditioning and other electrical appliances, has contributed to additional strain on the country’s power infrastructure.
The minister urged consumers to remain patient, saying equipment breakdowns and other technical problems were inevitable but that efforts were underway to address the disruptions.
“The ministry is doing everything possible to end the electricity crisis,” Juwara said, adding that his ministry was engaging the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to find a lasting solution.
His comments come amid continuing public frustration over frequent power interruptions and concerns about the reliability of electricity supplies.
Juwara also highlighted New Jeshwang as an example of what he described as the government’s development record. He said the community had undergone significant changes from a period when roads were poor, electricity supplies were unreliable and students faced difficulties studying.
He attributed those improvements to the Barrow administration and urged residents to recognize what he described as the government’s achievements.
With the December 5 presidential election approaching, Juwara’s remarks form part of the NPP’s broader campaign effort to defend the administration’s record and persuade voters to give Barrow another mandate.
The government’s handling of the electricity crisis is likely to remain a key issue in the election, particularly as voters weigh claims of expanded access against continuing concerns over reliability, supply shortages and power outages.
