The heavy rains that fell on Friday, 19 June 2026, did not deter frustrated Gambians from taking to the streets. Their message was simple yet urgent: enough is enough. Years of persistent power outages and water shortages have pushed citizens to a breaking point, forcing them to demand accountability from the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
The petition delivered by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) reflects a growing national frustration. Businesses are struggling to survive, hospitals are operating under difficult conditions, students are attempting to learn without reliable electricity, and households face daily uncertainty about when the lights will go out or whether water will flow from their taps. These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious obstacles to economic growth, public health, and human dignity.
What makes the situation even more troubling is that the crisis persists despite significant investments in the energy sector over the past decade. Billions of dalasis, coupled with extensive donor support and reform initiatives, were expected to strengthen service delivery. Yet reliable electricity and water remain out of reach for many citizens. This raises legitimate questions about governance, planning, management, and accountability within the institutions responsible for these essential services.
GALA’s ten-day ultimatum may appear bold, but it reflects the depth of public disappointment. Citizens are no longer satisfied with explanations, promises, or revised timelines. They want results. They want evidence that public resources are being managed effectively and that those entrusted with leadership are capable of delivering the services Gambians depend upon every day.
Electricity and water are not luxuries. They are fundamental requirements for modern life. A nation cannot achieve meaningful development when its people and businesses operate under constant uncertainty about basic utilities. Reliable service is essential for investment, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and overall quality of life.
NAWEC now faces a critical moment. The next ten days will test not only its operational capacity but also its credibility. The utility must respond with transparency, urgency, and measurable action. At the same time, government authorities responsible for overseeing the sector must recognize that public patience is rapidly diminishing.
The protesters who marched through the rain were not merely expressing anger; they were demanding respect for their rights as citizens. Their message deserves to be heard. Whether the ultimatum produces meaningful improvements remains to be seen, but one fact is beyond dispute: Gambians have waited long enough for reliable electricity and water.
The time for excuses has passed. The time for action is now.