By Lamin Kujabi
As His Excellency President Adama Barrow continues to expand electricity access to rural communities across The Gambia, residents of Boiram Village in Lower Fuladu East, Central River Region, have expressed profound excitement and gratitude over the connection of their community to the national grid.
Speaking to Gambia Daily, Momodou Lamin Baldeh, Chief of Lower Fuladu East, described the development as historic and life-changing.
“I am very happy about the coming of electricity in my area. This is a development I never expected to witness in my lifetime,” he said. “The President has brought electricity to my people, and we are all grateful and excited.”
Chief Baldeh urged young people to prioritize skills development, emphasizing that technical knowledge and vocational training are essential for national progress. While celebrating the milestone, he cautioned residents about the safe use of electricity.
“Electricity is important, but it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. People should buy quality cables and ensure proper wiring in their homes. We must be especially careful in households with many children,” he advised.
He noted that before electrification, residents paid between D50 and D70 for a single block of ice. With electricity now available, he said, the cost of ice and other essential services is expected to decline significantly.
The chief also called on Gambians to preserve peace and stability. “We should not use politics to insult one another. That will not take the country forward. After electricity, we must come together and work jointly for development.”
Alhaji Muhammed Lamin Bouy, an elder of Boiram Village born in 1938, expressed gratitude for the peace The Gambia enjoys.
“I thank Allah. Peace is priceless, and peace is democracy,” he said. He recalled advice from relatives in Casamance, Senegal, who encouraged support for President Barrow, noting that people often take peace for granted until it is lost. “Your President is a man of peace, and peace is what we want,” he added.
He encouraged villagers to seize the opportunities that electricity brings. “When benefits come, people must take advantage of them. Electricity is important and beneficial. Let us work hard and make good use of this opportunity.”
Babucarr Bouy, the Alkalo of Boiram Village, said electricity would significantly reduce hardship, including the burden of fetching firewood and buying batteries and candles for lighting.
“Our children will now study at night without fear. Movement at night will also be easier,” he said.
He appealed for continued electrification across the country, urging that villages without electricity be connected and that those without meters be supported. “Every village should have electricity so that they feel part of the country,” he stated.
He further explained that many activities previously carried out in towns such as Brikamaba and Bansang such as welding and machine-based services can now be done locally, creating employment and reducing transport costs.
“When we wanted to pound our crops, we had to hire a horse cart or motorbike to take them to Brikamaba. Now we can bring machines here and do the work locally. Welders are already looking for places to set up workshops in our village,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for political tolerance and continuity in national development. “We must stop insulting and attacking one another. Development requires stability. When a President is elected, we should allow him to work and support progress.”
For the people of Boiram and surrounding communities, the arrival of electricity represents more than light it signals new economic possibilities, improved education, enhanced safety, and renewed hope for sustainable rural development.
