AYV News, October 10, 2024
National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit, Ndeye Fatu Koroma has assured that approximately 4.6 million Sierra Leoneans will benefit from the MCC project, which aims to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure by constructing transmission lines and substations across all regions, prioritizing agricultural and productive areas.
She emphasised that while the $480 million is held by the U.S. Treasury, funds will be released as needed throughout the project’s five-year implementation period, starting after a two-year mobilization phase. The project will also focus on reforming key national energy agencies, including EDSA, EGTC, and EWRC to improve service delivery, digitize operations, and ultimately lower electricity tariffs.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah underscores significant achievements for Sierra Leone in both the global energy sector and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, noting that in collaboration with Spain, Sierra Leone officially assumes the role of co-facilitator for the Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Platform of the International Renewable Energy Agency for the 2025-2026 period.
Minister Bah said: “The platform will be led by Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella of Sierra Leone and Laura Martin Marillo of Spain. This appointment positions Sierra Leone as a key player in the global conversation around renewable energy, emphasizing the country’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive energy transition”.
Minister Bah expressed deep gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for the country’s successful attainment of the $480 million MCC Compact. He highlighted the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the collaborative efforts of government ministers, the opposition, the media and civil society.
Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Madam Manty Tarawalli, expressed immense pride in the country’s ability to independently secure the MCC Compact. She highlighted the Vice President’s decision to leverage local expertise to achieve this monumental task, showcasing Sierra Leone’s human capital.
Madam Tarawalli also stressed that the energy sector will play a critical role in advancing the government’s flagship “Feed Salone Project,” supporting the development of irrigation systems, storage facilities, and other infrastructure to enhance food security. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards on the MCC scorecard to ensure eligibility for future compacts.
William Sao Lamina, Executive Director of Accountability Now Sierra Leone, hailed the MCC Compact as a national blessing, urging citizens to embrace the project. He called for greater media and civil society involvement in its implementation to ensure transparency and accountability. He encouraged everyone to support this initiative, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
The government, having already secured cabinet approval for the MCC Compact, now awaits parliamentary endorsement. Once approved, an agency headed by the Vice President will be established to oversee the administration of the project.
