As part of the implementation of the Seven Towns’ Electrification Project, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulation Commission (SLEWRC) on Saturday 10th June 2023 ended three-day engagements with stakeholders in Moyamba, Pujehun and Kailahun Districts respectively.
In Moyamba, Pujehun and Kailahun District headquarter towns, the Director-General of SLEWRC, Dr. Emmanuel Mannah revealed that the Commission was established by government through an Act of Parliament in 2011 to facilitate the provision of electricity and water supply, that some communities have mini-grids that are providing electricity but observed that they are inadequate, that the waiting to get reliable electricity has been long and difficult but that the three Districts are unique as they would soon get electricity and recalled that the Commission has visited Moyamba District several times in the past.
Dr. Manneh enlightened that in the past the National Power Authority produced and distributed electricity but that the service has been unbundled and assigned to EDSA and assured the people that EWRC would strictly monitor the supply of electricity as well as the quality of service provided by EDSA.
The three District headquarter towns have not enjoyed electricity supply for over 40 years and the people said that it is a dream come true and that they will ever remain grateful to the government of President Julius Maada Bio.
Erection of electricity poles are ongoing in the three District headquarter towns for the lights to be switched on soon.
According to the SLEWRC Director-General, although provision of electricity is expensive and complex, it is the dream of the President to provide electricity to communities nationwide, a dream that would not die for which he informed that government has provided the transformers and generators for the three District headquarter towns respectively that are reliable and guaranteed to ensure that consumers who are at the fore of the Commission’s work get the best.
He further disclosed that SLEWRC has a lot of work to do including giving permission to companies and individuals to produce and sell water and electricity, cautioned the people that although electricity is good but is also dangerous, that they also certify and monitor electrical contractors, importers and dealers in electrical and electronic equipment to ensure that they do quality work as well as import and sell quality electronics and electrical materials and equipment.
Dr. Mannah further informed the well-attended meetings in the three Districts that the Commission would recommend qualified contractors that would offer their services to them.
Mr. Brima Bah, Director of Economic Regulation, SLEWRC revealed that applicants to produce and sell electricity and water undergo vigorous processes before they are approved and issued licenses, that EWRC is made up of nine commissioners from various institutions including the Director-General, that the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) would manage the supply of electricity in the three Districts and assured the people that the cost of the electricity would be affordable as government would subsidize electricity supply.
He went on to inform the people that SLEWRC has categorize consumers into various groups including public places, commercial, industry and welders.
Engineer Musa Bockarie also of SLEWRC informed that they inspect and monitor service providers, that about three years ago government selected the seven Districts for the project to provide electricity to boost socio-economic development, that the project is solely funded by the government of Sierra Leone that has also provide generators and meters to hospitals, schools, mosques, churches and other public institutions reiterating that EDSA would manage the facilities.
He also intimated the people that it is their responsibility to electrify their houses that must be done by qualified electrical contractors approved by the Commission, sensitized the people on the safe use of electricity and energy efficiency, that they must not send children to fix electrical appliances, that they must ensure that their houses are properly earthed, buy new and quality materials and electrical equipment and most importantly protect the facilities and not interfering with the network.
According to Mr. Bockarie, the people must provide security for the facilities, report faults to EDSA and that if no action is taken after two weeks, they must inform SLEWRC, assured that such engagements would continue, that they have over 200 licensed electrical contractors in their database, that they would upgrade others in the three Districts to meet their standard as well as provide quality materials and equipment for them.
The Head of Legal Affairs, SLEWRC, Mrs. Desiree Black said that consumers are very important to the Commission, that they handle complaints and other issues from consumers, that EWRC has a Judicial and Review Committee comprising lawyers and judges and assured that they have resolved a lot of issues.
The representatives of the Consumer Protection Agency, the Sierra Leone Police and other stakeholders also made similar statements in the three Districts while the question-and-answer sessions climaxed the engagements.
Stakeholders were informed that His Excellency the President would commission the electricity project in Moyamba District on 18th June this year.
Earlier, the representatives of the Paramount Chief of Kayamba Chiefdom, Moyamba District, Mr. Abdul Gboyawa, the Deputy Chief Administrator of the Pujehun District Council, Mr. T.M. Fawundu and the Chief Administrator of the Kailahun District Council, Mr. Jonathan Coombay respectively, welcomed all at the event, underscored that the day is historic for them as they are in dire need of electricity and appealed to all to disseminate the message from the meetings.
The people in the three Districts commended government for the development, assured that they would take care of the facilities and appealed that the timely sensitization on the project be continued reiterating that the need for electricity that is a felt need cannot be overstated.
