By Omar Bah
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) on Thursday signed a 2.1 million euros contract with Wärtsilä Engine Company based in Senegal for the replacement of the generator in Brikama.
The project which is funded by the World Bank will be implemented within six to eight months.
Wärtsilä is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 70 countries around the world.
Speaking ahead of the official signing, the managing director NAWEC Baba Fatajo said the contract marks a significant step in government’s realization of a short-term action plans to stabilize power supply in the country.
He said the EPC contract which will replace the 8.9MW generator at the Brikama II power plant will in no small measure boost NAWEC’s generating capacity in the very short term.
“It is gratifying to note that this project will be completed between 6 to 8 months and it is part of the World Bank funded project dubbed Gambia Energy Support Project (GESP) being implemented by NAWEC, at a tune of 2million Euros. Once completed, we will be availed of a brand new Wärtsilä engine,” he said.
He said the Contractor, Wärtsilä, happens to be the manufacturer of the engine in Brikama and are long standing partners to NAWEC, “We therefore have no doubt in their ability to deliver the project within the scope and timeline.”
“We consider electricity as a human right that should be reliable and accessible to all. As a result, I wish to reiterate our continuous resolve to meeting the energy aspirations of our citizenry that they deserve,” he added.
Adding: “However, let me also appeal for patience as several efforts being employed by NAWEC and government will soon come to fruition. In conclusion I would like to thank the World Bank on behalf of the Gambia Government.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy in a statement read on his behalf by his PS Mo Njie, said the contract was in line with their set objectives of providing adequate and reliable power supply to Gambians. “We are pleased to note that a brand new generator will be put to our disposal to boost the supply capacity of NAWEC.”
“All these efforts represent a clarion testimony of government’s determination to resolve the energy crisis sooner rather than later,” he said.
The General Manager Sales & Marketing Wärtsilä West Africa Ousseynou Ngiaye, said his company is very proud to work with NAWEC again. “I want to reassure NAWEC that we are committed to ensure that the contract is implemented to the latter.”
“I also want to reaffirm that we will continue to help NAWEC solve the electricity problem in the country,” he concluded.
