Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay has conducted an inspection tour on all ongoing electrification works in Bo and Kenema.
The minister informed press men that for quite a while now his ministry has been on Bo and Kenema rehabilitation and extension project.
He said the importance of the project is to improve the lines between Bo and Kenema to improve on the efficiency and sustainability of electricity in the twin cities; noting that to be able to provide uninterrupted electricity to 12 towns on the highway between Bo and Kenema.
Minister Kanja Sesay noted that it is important for Gherihun, Yamandu, Boama and Blama, among other towns to be connected to electricity.
He said the project will give reliable electricity and many more communities will have access to electricity.
The minister said he took the contractors, and EDSA staff to see how far the project has gone.
“I am satisfied with the progress so far made on work that is ongoing at the substation in Bandajuma in Bo and Bandama in Kenema,” the minister said.
He further revealed that the project is expected to end in December this year; adding that he is highly optimistic that major parts of the work has been done.
He disclosed that the project is funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Sierra Leone, and it was agreed by the ADB for the project to be ended in December 2023.
He informed pressmen that the contractors are aware that the agreement will not be extended beyond this year; as 90% of the materials needed for the work are in the country.
He said that the source of power would come from the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (CSLG) line to supply electricity.
Kanja Sesay emphasised that he is aware of people complaining about the quality of light supplied to Bo and Kenema.
He replied that there is bad light as a result of the transmission and distribution network being very old. Therefore, when they replace all the networks between Bo and Kenema; improvement will be on the quality of electricity in the two cities.
He appealed to residents in Bo and Kenema to be patient as there will be gradual improvements of electricity in Bo and Kenema soon.
Contractor, SINOTIC told pressmen that the design had been completed 100%.
He said: “As was mentioned by the minister, we are trying to end this project within the due time or before the end of this year”.
They informed pressmen that they had done huge work, noting the remaining work would be completed within the stipulated time.
