The minister made this statement during a public disclosure of the Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan for the Freetown Distribution System Rehabilitation Work under the ESURP.
The ESURP is a project that seeks to upgrade the distribution lines and reduce losses in electricity supply to Freetown, while also improving commercial performance of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority.
The event, held at the British Council Auditorium on Tower Hill, Freetown was attended by councilors, Members of Parliament, local chiefs and community stakeholders.
The minister at the event enlightened stakeholders about the project, whiles explaining that lots of investments have been made in the sector to ensure that the development agenda as a nation is achieved.
He confessed that the electricity network in the country is old and mostly underperforming. This he said was why government with support from World Bank and others partners are upgrading them.
He said the project will improve on the quality of electricity service for customers as well as improve their standards of living positively, thereby enhancing productivity and competitiveness of commercial and industrial businesses and improving income and job opportunities among others.
The minister informed stakeholders that the population in Freetown has increased and the lines and facilities have been seriously encroached, making it extremely difficult for the utilities to improve the network without complete collaboration and commitment from stakeholders.
He pledged government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Sierra Leoneans, especially the poor or vulnerable persons in communities.
Councilors, Members of Parliament, local chiefs and community stakeholders expressed similar commitments to the project and pledged their support to work with the ministry for the implementation of the project.
They further vowed to talk to people in the various communities to work as partners in making sure that the aim of the project is achieved.
