By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
A presentation of five key deliverables earmarked by the Ministry of Energy for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 has indicated plans to install solar street lights nationwide.
The ministry was part of other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) presenting their budget for FY 2024 to the Ministry of Finance, Freetown on the 16th of October 2023.
Chief Director of Energy, Engineer Benjamin Kamara in presenting the ministry’s budget stated that they want to ensure the installation of a 225 KV Double Circuit Transmission Line from Bumbuna2 to Waterloo/Newton and increase the generation component by electrifying seven towns.
He said they want to continue with the rehabilitation of the Electrical Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) Plants Dodo Hydropower dam and the Southern Corridor Transmission Line to the 225kv/ 66kv network.
Ing. Kamara stated that the ministry’s key development for FY 2022-223 is the completion of mini-grids in over 20 Towns which include Mobai, Jojoima, Manowa, Boajibu, Sahn Malen, Koribondo, Sumbuya Moyamba Junction, Madina, Masiaka and Rokupr.
He said that they have completed feasibility studies for another 45 solar mini-grids for approximately 8,800 (eight thousand, eight hundred) households.
He pointed out that they have achieved Grant funding from the Government of Japan to construct 6 mini-grids in Naiagolehun, Petewoma Serabu, Grima Tikonko, Upper Saama, and Lower Saama in Bo District whose distribution networks have been completed. He said construction has also been completed for 6 Solar PV systems at Government Hospitals in PortLoko, Kabala, Moyamba, Pujehun, Kailahun, and Lakka.
The Chief Director of Energy spoke of challenges such as the rising cost of power generation due to the growing share of inflation and depreciation of the Leone. He said they are also challenged with commercial inefficiency due to electricity theft and theft of cables and equipment.
He added that vandalizing of assets, and sabotage of facilities, also impede their work.
He also mentioned the destruction and deforestation of Hydro Power Plant water catchment areas and increased illegal connections resulting in technical losses of 40%.
The adoption of the budget by Non-State Actors, Districts Budget Oversight Committees, and Civil Society Organizations climaxed the budget hearing.
The Ministry of Energy aims to develop policies and programmes for the provision of energy on a constant, affordable, and sustainable basis to the entire population of Sierra Leone.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (18/10/23)
