By Kemo Kanyi
Mamma Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has criticized President Adama Barrow over what he described as the politicization of the country’s rural electrification program.
He was quick to argue that the government continued to struggle to improve electricity and water services provided by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
The GDC leader made the remarks while addressing supporters in Kitty village. He argued that the rural electrification project under the Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du Fleuve Gambie (OMVG) was a regional initiative jointly supported by member states and should not be used for political gain.
According to Kandeh, Guinea, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia all benefit from the OMVG electricity project, which supplies power across the sub-region.
“Why must the President use the OMVG rural electrification project for political gains when he has failed to standardize NAWEC’s electricity supply?” Kandeh asked.
“That electricity is sourced from Guinea-Conakry, and the other member countries are also benefiting from it. Why can’t the government invest more in NAWEC to improve electricity and water services? As we speak, Gambians continue to experience repeated power outages, with some communities going without electricity for many hours. This is not the Gambia we want,” Kandeh remarked.
The opposition leader also raised concerns about the quality of road infrastructure projects across the country. He questions whether the cost of some projects reflects the quality of work being delivered to Gambians.
Kandeh maintained that public expenditure on infrastructure should be subject to scrutiny and accountability, adding that future investigations may be necessary to determine whether public funds have been used effectively.
He further urged President Barrow not to be misled by reports from ministers or contractors regarding the quality and value of completed road projects, insisting that citizens deserve infrastructure that meets acceptable standards and delivers value for money.
The remarks form part of the GDC leader’s continuing criticism of the government’s management of public services, energy provision and infrastructure development as political parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.