Press Release
The Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), wishes to announce the recruitment of DAR Engineering & Mahfous Engineering (joint venture) as the Consultant for the design and supervision of the Electricity Network Enhancement Project.
The project is part of the major infrastructure and development projects being implemented in the country ahead of the hosting of the 2022 OIC Heads of State and Government Summit in Banjul. The project aims to improve the electricity capacity of the primary sub-stations of NAWEC, enhance the transmission and distribution of electricity as well as address the problem of low voltage in the Greater Banjul Area. Additionally, the project will enable NAWEC to expand grid electrification to new peri-urban areas.
DAR & Mahfous Engineering, which is a joint venture between Saudi and Gambia engineering firms, was selected after a competitive public tender process involving several local and Saudi based companies. Under the contract agreement, the consultancy firm will provide services for the design, pre-tender /pre-contract services, and supervision of construction works. The duration of the contract is eighteen (18) months and will be implemented in two phases: feasibility studies and design (6 months), and the supervision of construction works (12 months). In line with OICGambia Secretariat’s desire to empower local businesses, the firm is also obligated to undertake knowledge transfer as an important aspect during the design and supervision stages.
Reacting to the news, the Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr. Yankuba Dibba says: ”the OIC electricity project will boost NAWEC’s capacity in the transmission and distribution component and extend coverage for businesses and homes across the Gambia.
”OIC Gambia and NAWEC rely on the experience and track record of DAR and Mahfous engineering firms to deliver to our expectations. This partnership, yet again, signifies that as a secretariat, we remain committed to implementing all the priority projects despite the challenges posed by COVID19”, he said.
NAWEC is the executing agency and a grant funding of $10m was provided by the Saudi Fund for Development.
The Electricity Network Enhancement Project as part of the OIC Gambia projects will greatly support NAWEC to meet the increasing demand for a reliable supply of electricity within the GBA.
In another develpoment – The Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), has also recruited Saudi Tech & Cityscape Associates as the Consultant for the design and supervision of the Rehabilitation of Water and Sanitation Network Project.
The project, which is part of the ongoing transformative efforts to prepare the country ahead of the 2022 OIC Heads of State Summit, is designed to provide a reliable supply of safe and clean drinking water for people in The Gambia. It entails the creation of a new modern water system, including the construction of new boreholes, water treatment plans, storage facilities, and new transmission and distribution pipeline networks to end-users.
Under this agreement, Saudi Tech & Cityscape Associates will provide the engineering design and supervision for the following infrastructure works:
I. New boreholes and associated ancillary structures and equipment
II. New water storage facilities
III. A modern water treatment plant
IV. A new water distribution line across the Greater Banjul Area to complement the existing supply network
Reacting to the news, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr. Yankuba Dibba said:
”The hiring of Saudi Tech & Cityscape is a welcome development and another indication that OIC Gambia and its partners, like NAWEC, are quite committed to implementing all our priority projects despite unforeseen challenges such as COVID19”.
”Giving the sterling track record of the consultancy firm, we are hopeful that they will deliver to our expectations.”
The selection of Saudi Tech & Cityscape Associates, which is a joint venture between Saudi and Gambian engineering firms, follows a competitive public tender process involving several local and Saudi-based engineering companies. The first phase of the consultancy will last for six months and it includes detailed feasibility studies and design. In the second phase, the consultant will manage and supervise the construction works for 14 months. Giving that OICGambia insists on the involvement of local businesses as a matter requirement, the team is also obligated to undertake knowledge transfer as an important aspect during both the design and supervision stages.
Funding for the project is provided by the Saudi Fund for Development to the tune of $22.5 million.
The Water and Sanitation Network Rehabilitation Project as part of the OIC Gambia projects will go a long way in ameliorating the challenges associated with reliably accessing clean and safe drinking water in the country.
