AYV News, December 11, 2024
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on behalf of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, officially launched the 52MW Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE).
The launch, held in Newton, just outside Freetown, marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a cleaner and more affordable energy future.
The RESPITE project, supported by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone, is implemented by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The initiative involves the construction of solar power facilities, including a 40MW installation in Newton, a 10MW facility in Lungi and an additional 12MW capacity in Newton.
The project is expected to be completed within 12 months, significantly boosting the renewable energy component in Sierra Leone’s energy mix in line with the country’s energy transition plan.
Speaking at the launch, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the project as a testament to President Bio’s unwavering commitment to delivering safer, more accessible and affordable electricity to households and businesses across the nation. “Electricity is a critical driver of national development. This project will not only reduce energy costs but also propel sustainable development in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted several social and economic projects recently launched under President Bio’s leadership, including the iron manufacturing factory in Songo, the Lumley bus park and market, and the youth empowerment initiative involving tricycles and motorbikes. These initiatives align with the President’s “Big Five Agenda,” aimed at improving social livelihoods, stimulating economic growth and enhancing revenue generation, he pointed out.
The Vice President also acknowledged the steadfast support of development partners and commended stakeholders in the energy sector for their dedication to delivering on the Government’s energy commitments. He issued a stern warning against illegal electricity abstraction, urging citizens to protect the infrastructure that benefits their communities.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group and Energy Sector Lead, provided an overview of the Government’s plans for the energy sector. He explained that the RESPITE project is part of both the short and medium-term strategies to address the country’s energy challenges.
Deputy Minister of Energy I, Dr. Eldred Taylor, expressed his excitement, particularly as a native of Newton. He noted that the project addresses the historical neglect of the Western Rural District, with over 40 communities set to benefit from improved electricity access.
Dr. Eldred Taylor also extended gratitude to former Energy Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, for his pioneering role in initiating the project.
The launch of the RESPITE project underscores the Government’s commitment to transforming the energy sector, a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s development agenda. With renewable energy at the forefront, the initiative is expected to drive the country closer to achieving its goals of economic resilience, improved livelihoods and sustainable growth.
As Sierra Leone continues to implement reforms in the energy sector, the integration of projects like RESPITE with the Feed Salone agenda demonstrates the Government’s holistic approach to national development.
