AYV News, August 20, 2024

Sierra Leone’s main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC) Party has accused the government of neglecting the basic needs of rural communities by failing to provide them with electricity.

The Party’s Spokesman in Parliamentary, Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Gbassay Koroma, addressing the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) in Parliament, said the neglect has left many Sierra Leoneans in the dark—both literally and figuratively.

He argued that access to electricity is fundamental to the social and economic development of any country, while expressing deep concern that many Sierra Leoneans born in rural areas might live their entire lives without experiencing the benefits of electricity.

Hon. Koroma said: “Electricity is more than just power; it’s a human right that underpins our economic and social progress. Yet, countless citizens, especially those in remote villages, will likely die without ever seeing a lit bulb in their homes.”

The Member of Parliament urged the EGTC leadership to prioritise the expansion of electricity to rural areas, stressing the need for innovative solutions to address the current gaps.

He said the existing focus on urban centers has left rural Sierra Leone in darkness, calling for an urgent reassessment of the nation’s energy priorities, while highlighting the potential of alternative energy sources, particularly solar power, as a viable solution to the country’s energy challenges.

Hon. Koroma suggested that solar energy could offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the traditional reliance on hydroelectric and fossil fuel-powered systems, which are often expensive and difficult to maintain.