By Kemo Kanyi
President Adama Barrow has called for an action-oriented approach to resolving The Gambia’s ongoing electricity crisis, while urging citizens to exercise patience as the government works to restore reliable power supply.
President Barrow made the appeal Tuesday during an emergency visit to the Brikama and Kotu power stations, where he sought first-hand information on the challenges affecting electricity generation and distribution.
Speaking to journalists during the tour, Mr. Barrow said the situation required immediate action rather than theoretical discussions.
“It’s no time for theory. It’s now time for action,” he said, stressing that Gambians wanted electricity restored.
“What we want is lights to be on. If they are off, everybody knows they are off. So I appeal to Gambians, let us exercise patience, and let us also make sure dialogue is used as a medium of communication,” he said.
The President acknowledged shortcomings in the energy sector and said he was prepared to take responsibility for them.
“As the head of the state and President of The Gambia, it is my responsibility,” he said.
Mr. Barrow also appealed against protests as a means of addressing the electricity crisis, arguing that dialogue and engagement offered a better path towards resolving the problem.
He said the government was currently engaging people with the technical capacity to help address the crisis, describing them as “movers and shakers” capable of delivering practical solutions.
The President assured citizens that the situation was temporary and would be resolved.
“So I appeal to all Gambians, let them exercise a little bit of patience. This issue is just temporary. It will be addressed,” he said.
Mr. Barrow maintained that his government was committed to practical action, saying it was a “very serious government” that believed in results rather than theory.