The Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Energy Sector, Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, has ordered a full-scale audit of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to address longstanding inefficiencies within the institution.
The audit, which will cover financial, technical, and operational aspects, is aimed at uncovering discrepancies and enhancing transparency within the energy supply chain. Dr. Yumkella instructed the EDSA Board to hire an independent private firm to conduct a thorough review of the authority’s operations.
“We know the audit process will come with some discomfort, but when a system is not working, it must be fixed,” Dr. Yumkella stated.
He further disclosed that the probe would investigate the authority’s metering system and the failure of customer payments to reflect in EDSA’s accounts. Despite the authority’s potential to collect $8 million monthly, current revenue stands at just $5 million, raising concerns about the unaccounted $3 million difference.
The Energy Chairman emphasized the need for reform, highlighting that EDSA must be equipped to pay energy investors promptly to attract more private sector participation. He dismissed claims of witch-hunting, stressing that the primary objective is to make EDSA more efficient and accountable.
“Energy is an investment issue, not a charity. Investors need to see that projects are bankable and viable,” Dr. Yumkella added.
Addressing the country’s energy crisis, Dr. Yumkella criticized the past practice of relying on temporary power solutions, such as power ships. He called for long-term investments in infrastructure, including the Bumbuna hydro expansion project and solar farms at Kamakwie and Bikongor, which are expected to generate a combined 100MW of power.
President Julius Maada Bio’s Just Energy Transition Plan (JET-P), which aims to generate over 1GW of energy in the next decade, has been bolstered by recent international financial pledges, including $800 million and $480 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Dr. Yumkella also addressed the contentious Bumbuna II project, describing it as a failed venture that has stalled for over 12 years. He warned that the government is prepared to take the matter to international arbitration to recover the $90 million requested by the project developers.
“The government of Sierra Leone will not accept bad deals. We are ready to stand against any agreement that does not serve the interests of the nation,” Dr. Yumkella affirmed.
With reforms on the horizon, the energy sector is poised for a significant transformation, paving the way for sustainable and reliable electricity supply in Sierra Leone.
