Gambians Express Frustration Over Persistent Power and Water Interruptions

By CTV Africa

Residents across The Gambia are voicing growing frustration over recurring electricity and water supply disruptions, with many calling on authorities to urgently address the challenges affecting homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

In recent weeks, several communities in the Greater Banjul Area and parts of the provinces have reported frequent power outages and irregular water supply, disrupting daily activities and increasing the cost of living for many households.

Residents say the interruptions have affected their ability to work, run small businesses, preserve food, and access clean water. Business owners, particularly those relying on refrigeration and electrical equipment, have reported financial losses due to the unstable power supply.

“We experience power cuts almost every day, and when electricity goes off, water supply is also affected,” said one resident. “It has become difficult to plan our daily activities.”

Others expressed concern over the impact on students preparing for examinations and patients requiring reliable access to electricity and water in health facilities.

The situation has sparked widespread discussion on social media, where citizens have called for improved communication from the authorities regarding the causes of the disruptions and the measures being taken to resolve them.

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has previously attributed some interruptions to technical faults, maintenance works, and challenges within the national power generation and distribution system. However, many consumers argue that the frequency of the disruptions remains a major concern.

Civil society groups and consumer advocates have urged relevant authorities to invest in strengthening the country’s electricity and water infrastructure to ensure reliable service delivery and support economic development.

As complaints continue to mount, many Gambians are hoping for swift and sustainable solutions to what has become a recurring challenge affecting communities nationwide.