Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) has sparked controversy with its announcement of a load shedding implementation roster ahead of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in The Gambia. The plan, designed to ensure adequate electricity supply for the summit venues and accommodations, has raised concerns among average customers who fear prolonged power cuts.

According to the roster, customers receiving electricity feeds from several areas may experience up to 8 hours of power outages daily between Tuesday, April 30, and Monday, May 6, 2024. These areas include Mariama Kunda feeder, Kanifing, Yarambamba, Kotu 5, Banjul, and Bakoteh.

In response, many customers took to social media to express their frustrations, arguing that the summit should not lead to such disruptions if proper planning and implementation were in place.

Nawec’s Public Relations Manager, Buba Badjie, sought to allay fears, stating that the load shedding roster might not be implemented if there are no unforeseen circumstances causing a rapid drop in electricity supply. He emphasized that the roster is meant to prioritize electricity supply to OIC-concentrated areas in case of strain on the system.

Badjie cited recent incidents, including a burnt transformer in Kotu and the need to reduce loads due to high generator temperatures, as examples of situations where prioritization of electricity supply might become necessary.

Responding to questions about the $32.5 million agreement Nawec signed with the OIC secretariat to improve its water and electricity capacity, Badjie affirmed that the funds were effectively implemented, with all necessary preparations in place for the summit.