Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has issued a stern directive to the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec), demanding an immediate cessation of water supply disconnections affecting consumers. This intervention comes in response to numerous complaints from households facing disconnections despite no fault of their own.

In a statement released yesterday, PURA criticized Nawec for failing to issue printed bills, which has led to confusion and unintentional arrears among consumers. The regulatory body described the practice of disconnecting services without prior notice as both illegal and unacceptable, emphasizing that the outstanding bills are not due to consumer negligence.

PURA has formally communicated its objections to Nawec and instructed the company to halt all disconnections with immediate effect. The Authority is also encouraging consumers to proactively visit Nawec branches or cash offices to inquire about their accounts and settle any outstanding amounts to prevent further disruptions.

Consumers who experience issues with their water supply are advised to contact PURA via their toll-free number, 148, for assistance and to report any related problems.

This action underscores PURA’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair practices within the utilities sector.