Gabon faces urgent reforms for water and electricity access

The President of Gabon has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the persistent challenges of water and electricity shortages, emphasizing the need for transparency in ongoing efforts. While progress has been made since the Transition, he acknowledged that household access to these essential services remains unreliable, particularly in Libreville and rural areas.

Highlighting decades of mismanagement, the Head of State stressed that immediate solutions are not yet within reach. Despite substantial government investments, many Gabonese continue to struggle with inconsistent supply, underscoring the urgency of structural reform.

In a decisive move, the President announced plans to dismantle the Société d’énergie et d’eau du Gabon (SEEG), citing its inability to invest effectively due to bloated operations. With over 2,300 employees—only 300 engineers and 500 field agents—the company’s inefficiency has hindered progress. The proposed restructuring will split SEEG into two separate entities: one dedicated to water management and the other to electricity.

This bold reform aims to streamline production, distribution, and commercialization, ensuring more efficient and accountable service delivery. The President’s pledge signals a new chapter in addressing Gabon’s long-standing infrastructure challenges, but patience remains essential as implementation unfolds.