27th April, 2026
By Peace Ahovi
The Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia Project (REPGam Project), implemented under the University of The Gambia (UTG) / WASCAL Graduate Studies Programme (GSP), and supervised by Director of the Project, Professor Sidat Yaffa, who also serves as Director of the UTG/WASCAL GSP, continues to deliver measurable progress in strengthening solar streetlighting infrastructure while reinforcing systems for accountability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
As part of its ongoing implementation, REPGam Project undertook a comprehensive nationwide technical field exercise (like energy load profiling of Gambia government institutions, community meetings, radio programs about the Project, and socioeconomic data collection) aimed at improving system performance, enhancing asset traceability, and supporting evidence-based infrastructure management. The activity brought together technicians from Burkina Trading International (BTI), regional experts from Senegal, and the REPGam Project Technical Team at the University of The Gambia, demonstrating the value of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated technical delivery.
The central outcome of the exercise was the strengthening of asset management and monitoring systems, contributing to improved transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. Enhanced pole identification methods were introduced to ensure durability and long-term traceability, addressing previous gaps in asset visibility. These efforts were complemented by systematic documentation and verification processes, alongside the capture and validation of Geographic Positioning System (GPS) coordinates for all installations. This has resulted in a more reliable geospatial database to support performance monitoring, maintenance planning, and impact reporting.
The activity also contributed to extending the lifespan and reliability of infrastructure through targeted preventive maintenance measures, including interventions to protect installations from environmental damage. These actions are expected to reduce lifecycle costs, improve service continuity, and strengthen value for money in the use of project resources.
In addition, the exercise demonstrated a strong capacity for adaptive management and risk-responsive implementation. Adjustments to selected installations were undertaken to reflect evolving site conditions and ensure continued safety and functionality. A critical safety concern identified in Saruja Village, where a solar streetlight pole was located within a roadway due to subsequent infrastructure changes, has now been moved to a suitable location for safety and functionality. The situation is further compounded by planned work from the National Water and Electricity Company (NaWEC), which has designated the same location for a high-tension electrical installation. The recommended relocation of the affected pole reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding communities, preventing infrastructure conflicts, and protecting project investments.
Through its implementation approach, the REPGam Project is not only improving access to reliable and sustainable energy services but also strengthening local systems, technical capacities, and institutional resilience. By integrating robust asset management, preventive maintenance, and continuous monitoring, the project ensures that infrastructure investments remain effective, climbable, and responsive to changing environments.
This milestone underscores UTG/WASCAL GSP’s role in delivering accountable, efficient, and impact-driven solutions, ensuring that investments translate into tangible development outcomes and long-term benefits for communities across The Gambia.
