inFOCUS Brikama Power Station

Monday, March 10, 2008
Inaugurated in August 2006 by the Gambian leader Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh , the 25 megawatts Brikama power plant is the first trully independent power project undertaken by a private company. The Global Electrical Group operates four generators. The 15 million Euro power plant is in fulfilment of the desire of The Gambia government to provide reliable and efficient power supply to the entire country.

The 25 megawatts Brikama power plant generates electricity and pumps it into NAWEC’s network for final distribution to consumers. The power plant has since overcome the 30-year old erractic power supply in the country. It also marks the begining of a new wave of credible and genuine private sector participation in the electricity sub-sector

The power plant under the Directorship of Fadi Mazege has filled the gap between the demand and supply of electricity in The Gambia.

Ousman Jammeh, secretary of state for petroleum and energy, on Saturday visited the complex of the Brikama power plant as part of his tour of installations under his purview.

He was briefed on the operations of the power plant as well as the prospects of future expansion to meet the growing demand of electricity supply in the country by Fadi Mazege director of the Global Electrical Group. According to Mr Mazege, the power plant has since reduced the Nawec’s load shedding.

The focus at the Brikama power plant is to strengthen the gains made and effect a mutual working relationship between the private electricity providers and the nations power host to ensure the realization of the vision of the country's leadership.

A vision that has attained substantial gains in so short a period of time, has injected a sense of optimism in the public. SoS Jammeh dwelt on visible issues related to sustainable energy use and available land for future expansion, indicating strongly governments cognizant of adequate electricity supply as a viability for development.

SoS Jammeh expressed satisfaction with the level of professionalism upon which NAWEC’s team of experts and conducting work to respond to the growing need for electricity supply. He said the quest for development calls for such a joint partnership saying it is a vsion envisaged by Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh.Jammeh

SoS Jammeh’s tour proceeded to the 30 million Euro project in Mandinary, expected to begin operation as a fuel storage depot soon. The storage plant has a capacity to hold 51, 000 tons of heavy and light fuel and gas at the Gam-Petroleum fuel storage firm in Mandinary, and at Nawec sub-stations in Wellingara and Bijilo.


Author: by Lamin M. Dibba