Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Alhaji Dr. Kanja Sesay, delivered a comprehensive overview of the advancements, reforms, and hurdles within the energy sector during the Weekly Government Press Briefing on October 3, 2023.
Dr. Sesay emphasized President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to diversifying the nation’s energy sources, outlining the Ministry of Energy’s dedicated efforts in realizing this objective since the New Direction administration assumed office in 2018. Notably, he discussed the government’s achievements in expanding energy access and its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
The Minister highlighted the restructuring of the energy sector, resulting in the establishment of EDSA and EGTC, responsible for distribution and generation/transmission, respectively.
He also pointed to the creation of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) and the Ministry’s oversight role in ensuring these institutions fulfill their mandates.
Dr. Sesay proudly announced the successful renegotiation of the Karpowership agreement, resulting in substantial savings of $18 million over two years. He underscored the vital role of Karpowership and other generation facilities in enhancing energy access.
Furthermore, Dr. Sesay discussed Sierra Leone’s eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Program, meter acquisitions, the growth of mini grids, the CLSG project, and various energy initiatives across the country, such as the Western Area Power Generation Project, Seven Districts Electrification Project, Bo-Kenema Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, ESURP, Bumbuna II, and Bekongor.
Addressing the challenges faced in 2018, Dr. Sesay noted that only 15% of the population had access to electricity, and there was a severe shortage of generation and transmission infrastructure.
He concluded by addressing the government’s expenditures on electricity subsidies, recent tariff adjustments, issues of load shedding, and outstanding arrears owed to EDSA by MDAs and other entities.
