By Crispina Cummings
Parliament has approved a US$ 16-million grant agreement between Sierra Leone and the international development association for the energy access project aimed at improving electricity supply in the country.
Presenting the grant agreement Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said the grant was meant for the improvement of electricity supply in the Western Area and the capacity to the National Power Authority.
Momodu Kargbo said that the loan would also address rural area electricity for public buildings such as schools and hospitals powered by solar energy.
He said that 20,000 prepaid meters would be brought in by NPA to expand electricity supply for the country.
Alhassan Kamara, APC MP, commended the minister for the grant and urged him to consider the Calaba Town community and its environs.
Jusufu Manasary, SLPP MP expressed concern that all loan and grant agreements were just for Freetown with the provinces not so considered. He urged the minister to spread their interventions to rural areas.
Majority party leader, SBB Dumbuya noted that government had been supporting the rural people and that 85% of loan and grant agreements were for the rural areas. He informed the House that President Ernest Bai Koroma was committed to developing all regions in the country.
After a strong debate from both sides of the political divide the grant agreement was approved.
© Politico 11/07/13
