The Gambia has received a $43 million grant for The Gambia’s Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP) by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

The main aim of GERMP is to increase the availability and reliability of solar electricity as well as to improve the transmission and distribution network capacity of the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC).

The additional $43 million by the IDA increases the World Bank’s initial funding by 20%. Elene Imnadze, a World Bank Resident Representative, said “This support will build on the ongoing efforts of the government to strengthen the electricity and water sectors and further boost the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic through communications and targeted investments including hand washing facilities in the Greater Banjul Area.”

GERMP will ensure that 17km of transmission lines will either be constructed or rehabilitated. The project will install a 20 grid-connected photovoltaic systems with storage capacity. The project will also install or replace 20,000 water meters, as well as the repair three water storage tanks.

“This additional grant comes at an important moment in the reform process underway. We have already seen significant improvements in NAWEC’s performance. Additional resources will help to solidify these gains. NAWEC has been successful in improving its operational and financial performance in recent years, seeing that more than 1.6 million people have gained or been given improved access to electricity.