06 December 2007
The Gambia is to see its electricity network double performance in the next few months.
The National Electric Power Company of Jordan (NEPCO) has been elected to put into place an advanced electricity network in the Gambia, making the country one of the best models for Western Africa.
NEPCO has established an agreement of $310,000 with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
According to the Jordan Times, the Jordanian firm intends to develop high-performance lines of transfer, power transfer, generation stations and distribution networks in Banjul, as well as in the western parts of the country.
NEPCO director general Ahmad Hiasat said that the Arab African Development Bank will finance the advanced electricity network for the six-month period requested.
The Gambia is also aware of the need to develop renewable energy, and as Sheriff Faye, commissioner of petroleum energy told the Daily Observer: "The Gambia has the blessings of abundant renewable energy resources that can never be exhausted."
Mr Faye added that as well as solar energy, the wind, animal manure, crop residue and waste should all be exploited to increase daily renewable energy usage.
According to Mr Faye, 90 per cent of Gambians had no electricity only 13 years ago.
The Gambia has recently hosted its National Energy Show and Exhibition which promotes new technologies and devices helping the increase of renewable energy.
