Freetown, April 3, 2025 – The Energy Sector is raising alarm over the declining water levels at the Bumbuna Hydropower Dam, with climate change and human activities being cited as the primary culprits.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, Energy Sector Lead Dr. Kandeh Yumkella expressed deep concerns about the dam’s reduced power output, which has significantly impacted electricity supply in Freetown.
“For the first time in six years, Bumbuna is unable to supply even 1MW to Freetown,” Dr. Yumkella stated. “Previously, it provided 14-15MW, with some distributed to Makeni and Magburaka. Now, the city relies solely on the Karpowership.”
The decline in power generation is being attributed to climate change-induced drought conditions and unchecked human activities such as mining and deforestation upstream.
Dr. Yumkella warned that these challenges threaten Sierra Leone’s already fragile energy infrastructure.
To mitigate the crisis, he noted that repairs on generators at Kingtom and Blackhall Road had been completed, adding 9MW to the grid. However, Freetown still struggles, receiving only 67-68MW at night, with an additional 9MW from Makoth during the day.
Deputy Minister of Energy II, Dr. Rahim Jalloh, echoed similar concerns but assured the public that efforts were underway to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Milton Ngeba, Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), provided a technical overview of the generation challenges facing the sector.
Presidential Spokesman Dr. Alpha Khan commended the energy leadership for their commitment to reforms but urged Sierra Leoneans to halt destructive practices like illegal mining and deforestation, which exacerbate the crisis.
As the government seeks long-term solutions, the energy sector remains under pressure to meet growing demand amid environmental and infrastructural challenges.
