By Austine Luseni
Sierra Leone’s Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, has been accompanied by Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Kanu, on an inspection tour of critical energy projects and facilities situated in different parts of Port Loko District- north-western Sierra Leone.
Inspecting the 10MW RESPITE Project site in Lungi, Dr. Yumkella praised the contractors for making an encouraging progress, recalling how the Honourable Vice President had presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for a 40MW electricity project, with the site at Lungi to account for 10MW of the 40.
“Energy transformation does not take place overnight. It takes time. We designed this RESPITE project some two years ago, and now we are at the implementation stage. So, we do not mince our words when we confidently tell citizens that next year Freetown would have overcome its electricity challenges,” he said.
At the Planet Solar site, just outside Port Loko City, Dr. Yumkella spoke about the significance of the 3MW solar project, noting that they were at the site to have first-hand assessment of the state of the project and to assure contractors that government is committed to creating the enabling environment for them.
He catalogued the many social and economic benefits associated with the project, citing the impact it would have on healthcare delivery, businesses and education.
At the Bankasoka Dam, the Energy Sector Lead recounted the role he played in facilitating the realization of the project.
He spoke about discussions he had with the Paramount Chief of Maforki Chiefdom and the Presidential Spokesman regarding the dam, adding that his visit was to enable him have a feel of the challenges faced by the dam during the dry season.
He bemoaned the environmental problems triggered by climate change and human activities, which have adversely impacted water levels at the dam.
Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Dr Alpha Khan praised the government of President Julius Maada Bio for making Port Loko a priority district for social and economic projects.
He spoke about the impact the electricity projects would have on education, healthcare and livelihoods in his native Port Loko. He called on his kinsmen to jealously own and protect the projects.
With the energy sector and the Feed Salone agenda being inextricably linked, reforms continue in the sector.
