Africa-Press – Gambia. A government-appointed task force has recommended the separation of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) into two independent entities as part of a broad restructuring plan aimed at improving the delivery of water and electricity services.
Presenting the findings, task force chairman Sulayman Samba said the proposal provides a comprehensive framework for unbundling NAWEC’s dual mandate. He said the reforms combine governance, financial and strategic measures intended to establish two autonomous institutions capable of improved performance.
“We believe that it is an adequate response to your instruction in executing the cabinet directive, not only to separate the dual function of NAWEC but to set each entity on a viable path of sustained performance improvement,” Samba said.
Under the proposal, the electricity utility would largely retain its current operational structure, while the water utility would undergo significant institutional reforms. These include the creation of directorates for technical operations, customer service, human resources and administration, finance, and corporate strategy.
The report also outlines transitional arrangements for shared services between the two entities. It states that in the short term, services would be allocated on the basis of equity, including a concessionary power supply arrangement between the companies. It adds that full separation would be implemented over time, with options for outsourcing and possible privatization under consideration.
Samba said the proposed names of the new entities were selected to reflect clarity of purpose and national identity, as the government moves to modernize the utility sector, which has long faced operational and financial constraints.
Receiving the report, Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines Nani Juwara called for the dissolution of the existing utility and the establishment of two single-purpose companies: the Gambia National Electricity Company and the Gambia National Water Company.
The ministry said the report marks a key step in the reform process, adding that government will now begin implementation of its recommendations.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
