By: Fatou Krubally
A human rights group has demanded that the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) release a report on the investigations probing into the death of seven contractors who died while working on high-tension cables in the North Bank Region last year
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) made the demand in a statement issued on Friday.
According to EFSCRJ, it had formally written to NAWEC requesting full disclosure of the investigation findings and accountability measures surrounding the October 9, 2024 incident, which claimed the lives of seven employees of KEI Construction Company near Essau, Sami and Mendy Kunda.
NAWEC had initially released a condolence statement on the day of the tragedy, acknowledging the loss and assuring the public that it was working with authorities to establish what led to the fatal accident. However, nearly nine months later, no details of that investigation have been made public.
“As an accountability organization, we have therefore written to NAWEC to demand the investigation report for transparency and accountability in the interest of the protection of human rights,” the EFSCRJ statement read.
The group said it had asked for two key documents: the final investigative report into the incident and a report detailing what measures have been put in place to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
EFSCRJ argued that NAWEC was obligated under The Gambia’s Access to Information Act 2021 to proactively disclose such information within 30 days of its creation or receipt, and to keep the public informed.
“The law mandates public bodies to proactively disclose information that they generated or received within 30 days. An investigation report of this incident falls within the terms of proactive disclosure in Section 7,” EFSCRJ reiterated.
The organization reminded NAWEC that it now has 21 days under Section 14 of the Act to respond to its request.
“Public institutions must be transparent and accountable, without which the protection and fulfilment of rights will be severely undermined,” the group emphasized.
EFSCRJ concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocate for openness and accountability, declaring 2025 as the “Year of Transparency and Accountability.”
