Freetown, Sierra Leone — Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Special Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security in Sierra Leone, has issued a strong call for the immediate reformation of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).
According to Dr. Yumkella, such reforms are critical if the nation is to realize its ambitious development plans.
“We need to fix EDSA if we are to achieve all our good and many plans,” Dr. Yumkella emphasized. “EDSA should be able to pay investors when they generate electricity. That will encourage more investors to come in. EDSA’s board needs to be comprised of professional and technical people. This is not witch-hunting, but a necessary step towards making EDSA more efficient and effective.”
Dr. Yumkella highlighted that energy should be viewed as an investment opportunity, not a charitable act. He stressed the importance of making energy projects viable and bankable to attract and retain investors.
In discussing the broader energy sector, Dr. Yumkella noted that transforming an energy system takes time and should not be driven by political agendas.
He criticized the reliance on temporary solutions by past administrations, stating, “Five administrations have resorted to quick fixes, but we are still grappling with energy problems in the country. Since the last major crisis, we’ve had several offers for more power-generating ships, but we need sustainable, long-term solutions.”
Dr. Yumkella outlined plans for building a robust energy infrastructure in Sierra Leone. He mentioned the existing 161kv transmission line from Bumbuna as needing improvement, stressing that developing such infrastructure requires time, consistency, and teamwork.
He commended President Julius Maada Bio for setting a vision and assembling a competent team to address these challenges.
Some of the funding for these projects was discussed at the OPEC Investment Roundtable, where Sierra Leone presented its flagship Bumbuna expansion project. Currently, Bumbuna produces 50 Megawatts of power, with plans to double this output through additional turbines and a floating solar project.
Dr. Yumkella also mentioned plans for 50MW solar projects in Kamakwie and Bikongor, and further developments at Dodo and Shinjimi Dams.
President Bio’s Just Energy Transition Plan (JET-P) aims to generate over 1 gigawatt of energy in the next decade, with a target to double energy supply within the next three years.
The President’s vision is supported by substantial international investments, including $800 million in pledges, $480 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a $412 million gas power plant, and the commissioning of the Lumley Children Hospital.
Dr. Yumkella stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability to attract more investors.
“President Bio is determined to deliver for his people, and he has assembled the right team to actualize that,” he stated.
Regarding the controversial Bumbuna II Project, Dr. Yumkella criticized the long delays and lack of progress, describing it as a “sham.”
He noted that the government is prepared to take the issue to international arbitration, asserting that bad deals will not be tolerated.
In summary, Dr. Yumkella’s call for urgent reform of EDSA and a long-term strategic approach to energy infrastructure reflects a commitment to sustainable development and investment in Sierra Leone’s future.
