Vendors at Serrekunda market have called on NAWEC to stabilize the supply of electricity and water. The vendors raised concerns over the constant power failure from NAWEC, which led to the damage of properties to many businesses within the market.


Over the years, the availability of water and electricity has become a major concern to many communities within the country.

Speaking to this medium, Aja Sanden, a vegetable seller at Serrekunda market says their businesses have been badly affected due to the constant NAWEC power failure.

Adding that has not only affected their businesses but also caused them sleepless nights as the struggle for water continues at home.

“The constant on and off from NAWEC has really affected our businesses at the market,” Aja Sandeng said. “We want NAWEC to stabilize the supply of electricity and water. Our fish and vegetables are getting spoiled everyday due to the constant power failure from NAWEC.”

She adds that life has become extremely unpleasant for women at the market as they always struggle to freeze their fish. Ms. Sanden explains the challenges they face at home. She strongly believes that NAWEC is not doing what is expected from them.

“This has also given us sleepless nights as we keep struggling to get water,” she said. “NAWEC is really punishing us, especially at Dippa Kunda. We only get water at 3am which is very sad.”

The freezing of fish, meat and other vegetables cannot be done in the absence of water and electricity.

Ramata Taal, another fish seller says the challenges caused by the inadequate electricity supply are huge and she explains. She adds that it has also affected their daily worshiping.

“We are really losing a lot from our businesses because we cannot freeze our fish and at the end of the day we will throw the fish,” Ramata Taal said. “We really need electricity and water to do our business. We find it difficult to observe our five daily prayers because we don’t have water.”

Fatou Jeng, a fishmonger called on NAWEC to stabilize the supply of water and electricity. She told this medium the mechanism they use to preserve their fish to minimize total loss of income.

“Our business is very slow because we don’t have water and electricity to freeze our fish,” she said. “If NAWEC can help and stabilize the supply of water and electricity for us it will really help.”

Alhagie Jallow, a butcher at Serrekunda Market, told The Fatu Network that the  lack of adequate electricity supply has affected their income.

“I feel very uncomfortable selling meat at the market because we don’t have water and electricity. Our meat gets spoiled everyday because we don’t have ice to store it. I also want the president to help us to stabilize the market price because meat is very expensive and we don’t want that for our customers,” he said.

It appears that NAWEC has been at the center of criticism from all the people we spoke to at the market. However, NAWEC is mandated for the provision of electricity, water and sewerage service in The Gambia.

 

 By Dawda Baldeh