“Are You Being Misled?” – Sheriffo Sonko Questions Barrow’s Handling of the NAWEC Crisis
Hon. Sheriffo Sonko has raised concerns over President Adama Barrow’s handling of the country’s ongoing electricity challenges, questioning whether the President is receiving accurate information about the situation at the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
In a strongly worded statement, Sonko said his concerns were not motivated by political considerations but by what he described as growing worry over the way the electricity crisis is being addressed.
Sonko said he listened carefully to the President’s recent remarks on the NAWEC situation and questioned whether the President had been fully informed about the country’s available electricity-generating capacity.
One of the key questions raised by Sonko was the whereabouts of generators that, according to previous statements from the government, were kept in reserve because the country supposedly had sufficient generating capacity.
He also questioned why the government is now acquiring additional generators if adequate capacity was previously available.
“Are you the one misleading the Gambian people, or are the people giving you information misleading you?” Sonko asked.
Sonko further criticised the government’s continued emphasis on rural electrification, arguing that many Gambians are currently more concerned about the reliability and stability of electricity supply in towns and communities.
He questioned the value of expanding access to electricity when existing customers continue to experience frequent interruptions and an unreliable supply.
Drawing a comparison with Dakar, Senegal, Sonko argued that the Gambian government should place greater emphasis on ensuring reliable public services rather than presenting electricity provision as an achievement in itself.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to justify electricity shortages by comparing them with other unavoidable challenges, saying such arguments could contribute to a culture in which poor public service delivery becomes normalised.
According to Sonko, the responsibility for ensuring reliable electricity ultimately rests with the government and should not be presented as a favour to citizens.
He also expressed concern over political statements surrounding the electricity crisis, particularly suggestions that the opposition would eventually be “ashamed” if electricity supply improves.
Sonko argued that the government’s priority should be delivering results for the Gambian people rather than engaging in political competition over who is right or wrong.
He called on President Barrow to take stronger action against what he described as corruption, mismanagement and institutional weaknesses affecting public services.
Sonko concluded by urging the government to strengthen accountability, address the underlying problems at public institutions and ensure that Gambians receive reliable electricity.
“The Gambian people deserve better,” he said.
