The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) wishes to inform the general public that Enforcement action has been taken against the National Water and Electricity company Ltd (NAWEC) for Poor water service delivery in its provincial water treatment plants.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in executing its mandate as per , section 13 (1) (d) and (e) of the PURA Act 2001 had directed that specific corrective and remedial measures be implemented to ensure that consumers in the affected areas are not exposed to raw water that may pose a risk to their health.

A Fine of D3,500,000 (three million, five hundred thousand dalasi) for non-compliance with the Authority’s Directive to improve water quality in the provinces has been imposed on the company in accordance with the Enforcement Regulations 2010.

A breakdown of this enforcement action against NAWEC is summarized below;

Treatment  Plant: Farafenni

Infringement:

For failure to take the necessary action required to fix the leaking tank at Farrafenni which resulted to serious waste of water, economic losses for the Country and most importantly causing environmental hazard and contamination.

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until compliance with the Authority’s Directive

 

Infringement:

For failure to take the necessary measures required to remedy the poor sanitary environment surrounding the Chlorine dosing point at Farafenni which resulted to permanent settling of stagnant water.

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until Chlorination resumes

 

Infringement:

For failing to repair and raise the fallen perimeter fence in Farafenni which resulted to animal intrusion and farrowing within the treatment area in very un-hygienic conditions

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until the tank is fixed

 

Treatment  Plant: Bansang

 

Infringement:

 

For failure to adequately Chlorinate the municipal water supply in Bansang town and consequently exposing consumers with associated risk of utilizing raw water

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until Chlorination resumes

 

Infringement:

For continued supply of water failing to meet PURA’s minimum standard and failure to improve the environment around the sand filter allowing animals intrusions

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until sand filtration is resumed and Iron level drop to the approved standard

 

Treatment  Plant: Soma

 

Infringement:

Failure to adequately Chlorinate the municipal water supply for Soma town thereby exposing the public through raw water supply and risk of contamination

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until Chlorination resumes

 

Infringement:

Failure to fix the roof of the Chlorination room as per the Authority’s Directive of Ref: P/NAWEC/Vol.II (72) in   2019

 

Sanction:

D500,000 and a daily fine of D25,000 until compliance with the Authority’s Directive and a new roof installed

 

The Authority in addition to the fines above directed NAWEC to comply with the Authority’s Determination.

PURA will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue enforcement to ensure compliance with the Law.

 

For more information please contact PURA on 148;

 

PURA – Working Towards Equity in Development, through Professionalism and Partnership.

 

#thegambia

#Safety

#consumerright

Source:PURA’s Facebook page

From: Awa Macalo

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