Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulation Commission (SLEWRC) has completed engagements with stakeholders in Moyamba, Pujehun and Kailahun districts on the implementation of the ‘Seven Towns Electrification Project’.
Director-General of SLEWRC, Dr. Emmanuel Mannah said the Commission was established by government through an Act of Parliament in 2011 to facilitate the provision of electricity and water supply.
He said some communities have mini-grids that are providing electricity but observed that they are inadequate, adding that the waiting to get reliable electricity has been long and difficult and that the three districts are unique as they would soon get electricity.
Dr. Manneh enlightened that in the past the National Power Authority produced and distributed electricity but that the service has been unbundled and assigned to EDSA.
He assured the people that EWRC would strictly monitor the supply of electricity as well as the quality of service provided by EDSA.
The three district headquarter towns have not enjoyed electricity supply for over 40 years and the people said that it is a dream come true and that they will ever remain grateful to the government of President Julius Maada Bio.
Erection of electricity poles are ongoing in the three district headquarter towns for the lights to be switched on soon.
The Director-General said: “Although provision of electricity is expensive and complex, it is the dream of the President to provide electricity to communities nationwide, a dream that would not die”.
He informed that government has provided the transformers and generators for the three district headquarter towns and that they are reliable and guaranteed to ensure that consumers who are at the fore of the Commission’s work get the best.
He further disclosed that SLEWRC has a lot of work to do including giving permission to companies and individuals to produce and sell water and electricity. He cautioned the people that although electricity is good but is also dangerous.
Brima Bah, Director of Economic Regulation, SLEWRC revealed that applicants for electricity and water undergo vigorous processes before they are approved and issued licenses.
He said EWRC is made up of nine commissioners from various institutions including the Director-General and that the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) would manage the supply of electricity in the three districts.
He assured the people that the cost of the electricity would be affordable as government would subsidise electricity supply.
Head of Legal Affairs, SLEWRC, Desiree Black said consumers are very important to the Commission and that EWRC has a Judicial and Review Committee comprising lawyers and judges and assured that they have resolved a lot of issues.
Representatives of the Consumer Protection Agency, the Sierra Leone Police and other stakeholders also made similar statements in the three districts while the question-and-answer sessions climaxed the engagements.
