The Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, last Friday declared that there could not be free electricity in The Gambia, explaining that this is due to the fact that free electricity is found nowhere in the world and that the country does not extract fuel. The president made the remark whilst presiding over the laying of the foundation stone of a US$80m power plant in Tujereng, Kombo South. “Even if we extract our own fuel, electricity cannot be and will not be free. There is nowhere in the world where electricity is free,” he said.

Mr Jammeh also lambasted his critics, whom he described as unpatriotic citizens and advised Gambians not listen to. “During the past presidential elections, some people were going round saying that even electricity cannot be normal in the country. But when I heard of that I then provided enough electricity and they all shut their mouths,” he fumed.

The Gambian leader further stated that as far as he is concerned, there is no reason why some Gambians will live in urban areas and others in the rural areas, saying: “I will make sure that all Gambians live in the urban areas.” To this end, President Jammeh called on all patriotic Gambians and friends of The Gambia to participate in the socio-economic development of the country.

President Jammed finally warned those working at the plant that he would not take anything for granted, especially as the project is named after his mother.

“Since the project is also named after my mother, I will not take anything for granted. Those of you working here, if anyone is found stealing even a nail, you will be arrested. There will be Operation No Compromise in it because I will not name something after my mother and allow unscrupulous people to spoil it,” he warned.

The project is a joint investment by a Canadian multi-national company called Naanovo Energy Inco-oporation and Millennium African Water and Electricity Power Company in The Gambia.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Momodou Jallow, Managing Director NAWEC, Anthony Seedy, Naanovo’s regional vice president for Europe and Africa, and Kebba Touray, CEO GIPFZA.