Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 13, 2025 — The Ministry of Energy has announced a temporary shutdown of the Bumbuna Hydro-Electric Power Dam for scheduled annual maintenance, which will run from Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The decision, taken in coordination with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Minister II of Energy, Dr. Jalloh, on May 12.
As a result of the shutdown, electricity supply to Makeni, Magburaka, and parts of the Western Area, including Freetown, will be affected. The Ministry is urging residents, particularly those in Makeni and Magburaka, to prepare for noticeable disruptions during the ten-day period.
To ease the impact, the Ministry said Karpowership will scale up its electricity generation. Freetown will continue receiving power through a combination of the Karpowership and the Nigata generator stationed at Kingtom.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appeal to our customers—especially in the northern and western regions—to remain patient,” said Dr. Jalloh. “This annual shutdown is vital to ensuring the long-term stability and safety of our electricity grid.”
The Ministry assured the public that normal power supply will resume once maintenance works are completed and the hydro plant is reactivated.
