By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
President Julius Maada Bio says his administration would make a “concerted” effort to reduce energy poverty in Sierra Leone.
Bio made this statement at the official Launch of the first national dialogue on Climate Resilience, Energy Transition Dialogue at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on the 23rd of October 2023.
“We must make a concerted effort to reduce energy poverty in Sierra Leone and to drive our aspiration for industrialization, job creation, and the achievement of our big five game changers,” the President said. He went on to say his government’s vision is to position Sierra Leone as “an agricultural powerhouse and regional hub for energy,” noting that the aim is to establish achievement from one giga-watt energy generation capacity for the next ten to fifteen years for local consumption and export in the sub-region.
He said Sierra Leone is one of those developing nations vulnerable to climate variability and climate change, which affect the citizens.
Stating the importance of energy for sustainable economic development, the President said Sierra Leone “must develop and support” with just transition to clean energy systems, which he said can lead to socioeconomic benefit and socio-inclusivity.
Bio said his government would commit to implementing policies and programmes to achieve climate resilience and a just energy transition, that is inclusive, leaving no one behind.
“This just and inclusive transition energy plan requires close consideration of equity implications and challenges associated with preventing energy poverty, low energy consumption, and energy needs for economic growth in our country, “he maintained.
In the medium term, President Bio said his government “is committed” to energy reform that would provide an enabling environment, that he said would achieve “at least three hundred megawatts of new generation capacity by 2028.”
He noted that they have to address the challenges of transmission and distribution networks and that they “urgently” need energy reform of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) that would improve energy supply and access.
In his final statement, Bio said they are laying the groundwork for multi-sectorial collaborations, “ensuring” the coordinated approach that is aligned with their national priorities and United Nations (UN) framework conventions on climate change. “This dialogue will also provide input in our next medium-term national development plan, “President Bio stated.
Dr. Kandeh Yunkella who chaired the dialogue said the success of the Feed Salone project and the development and growth of the economy depends on how much the government tackles climate change issues, and access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.
“We are determined to benefit from experiences of the around world to make our match successful,” Dr. Yumkella said. On their role, he said that they would provide support to respective ministries and agencies, and enhance cooperation among ministries to ensure policy coherence.
“We will integrate energy and clean cooking,” he maintained, adding that Sierra Leoneans think clean cooking problems are women’s problems. ”It is a major economic problem,” he stated.
In his submission, the Minister of Energy, Dr. Kanja Sesay said it is “our” moral duty to address the intertwined challenges of climate change. Sesay noted that the energy sector has a “pivotal” role to play in achieving climate change objectives. On the reliability of energy supply, the minister said it is crucial for the growth and development of the nation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby said for them to be able to provide good health facilities for every Sierra Leonean, they want to be sure there is a “credible” source of energy for hospitals, healthcare units, clinics, the remote sides to name but a few. “We want to have energy that is available, accessible all the time,” Demby said.
In his re-election for a second term as President, Julius Maada Bio appointed Dr. Kandeh Yunkella as the Chairman Special Initiative for Climate Change and Renewable Energy and Food Security.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (25/10/23)
