The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) in Gambia has issued a warning to consumers against engaging in electricity theft through illegal connections and meter bypasses. According to NAWEC's Managing Director, Gallo Saidy, individuals found culpable will face financial penalties and possible prosecution. This warning was given at the MansaKunda Ministerial Town Hall Meeting held on Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
NAWEC has identified approximately 200 electricity bypass connections and about 400 cases involving faulty meters. The company has established a task force to conduct nationwide operations aimed at identifying illegal electricity connections, meter irregularities, and other forms of electricity theft. This move is part of NAWEC's efforts to combat electricity theft and protect its infrastructure.
Financial penalties for those found engaging in domestic electricity bypasses will be around D50,000, while business-related cases will attract charges of about D200,000. In addition to financial penalties, those found culpable will also be taken to court. NAWEC's Managing Director, Gallo Saidy, urged Gambians to regard NAWEC as their own institution and take collective responsibility for safeguarding its facilities.
Mr. Saidy noted that vandalism and illegal electricity connections undermine NAWEC's ability to provide reliable services. He expressed concern over the destruction of NAWEC offices and equipment during recent demonstrations triggered by public dissatisfaction with electricity supply. The NAWEC boss called on electricity consumers to cooperate with the company by reporting suspected illegal connections and other irregularities.
The fight against electricity theft requires public support, according to Mr. Saidy. He cautioned against the use of substandard, counterfeit, and cheap electrical materials, warning that poor wiring and improper connections could pose serious safety risks and contribute to electricity-related problems. NAWEC's goal is to improve electricity service delivery across the country.
Mr. Saidy reiterated that protecting NAWEC's infrastructure is a shared responsibility, adding that the cooperation of consumers remains essential to achieving this goal. The Managing Director emphasized that NAWEC is working to provide reliable services to Gambians and urged consumers to support these efforts.
The warning from NAWEC comes as the company continues to work on improving electricity supply in Gambia. Recent developments, including the launch of a Presidential initiative to reduce maternal deaths and the government's spending on fuel subsidies, demonstrate the country's ongoing efforts to address various challenges.
Key points
- NAWEC has identified 200 electricity bypass connections and 400 cases of faulty meters.
- Financial penalties for domestic and business-related electricity bypasses will be around D50,000 and D200,000 respectively.
- NAWEC is working to combat electricity theft and protect its infrastructure.
