By Arret Jatta
President Adama Barrow on Tuesday announced the formation of a Presidential Task Force to tackle the country’s worsening power supply problems.
He said the body is chaired by the Vice President,and that it reports to him directly and publicly provides updates to the nation every two weeks.
President Barrow acknowledged the frustrations among the population caused by the crisis and said the government understands the difficulties citizens are facing.
He said the government has been working to address problems linked to electricity generation, equipment failure, maintenance and rising demand.
The president also announced steps aimed at increasing generation capacity, including the installation of an additional 24-megawatt machine at the Brikama Power Station, with the machine expected to be commissioned by the end of October.
Barrow also disclosed that a contract has been awarded for the construction of a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Soma, adding that the project is expected to help strengthen the country’s electricity supply in the long term.
The president said the current crisis requires urgent action but also called on citizens to remain calm.
He appealed to protesters not to damage electricity infrastructure, warning that such actions could worsen the situation for communities.