While not the first time the topic has been addressed, the Gabonese Head of State chose this moment to emphasize transparency. He acknowledged that consistent access to running water and reliable electricity remains a distant reality for many households across Libreville and rural areas. Despite substantial investments made by the government during the Transition, Oligui Nguema reiterated that solutions are underway—but patience remains essential.
Water and electricity, fundamental necessities, continue to elude countless families in the capital and beyond. Reflecting on the mismanagement that plagued these sectors for the past fourteen years, the President pledged to end the suffering. A critical step in this direction involves dismantling the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG), a move deemed necessary to address systemic inefficiencies.
The current structure of SEEG, with its bloated workforce of 2,300 employees—including only 300 engineers and roughly 500 field agents—has rendered meaningful investment nearly impossible. Breaking the company into two distinct entities, one dedicated to water and the other to electricity, is expected to streamline operations, enhance production, distribution, and commercialization, and restore public trust in these essential services.
This reform signals a bold commitment to restructuring a system long criticized for its failures. While the transition may take time, the government’s resolve to tackle these longstanding challenges offers a glimmer of hope for Gabonese citizens weary of unreliable utilities.