23rd February 2005:

Professor Francesco Cristina Gambia's honorary consul general in Milan, Italy, has announced the grant of generators with a combined capacity of 10 megawatts by two Italian companies to The Gambia.

He was received by President Yahya Jammeh at State House in Banjul on Wednesday, and told reporters after their meeting that they discussed the project, whose financial and technical aspects have been finalised.

Professor Cristina said he will return to Banjul before the end of February, with the managing directors and engineers of the companies to enter into an agreement with the Gambian authorities for the construction of two power plants.

The two generating plants of 2.5 and 7.5 megawatts each will use solid waste from the Greater Banjul area to fuel the engines.

He said the President has asked him to expedite finalisation of the project agreements in Banjul.
Professor Cristina one year ago told State House that Italian investors are ready to establish a power station in the country to boost electricity supply.