The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh, held a meeting on August 25, 2023, with energy experts and various development organizations to discuss the country's access to reliable and sustainable energy. The focus of the discussion was on the government's initiatives to restore and maintain generators at various locations.
Participating in the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The primary objective was to brainstorm ways to enhance energy accessibility throughout the nation.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to the revitalization of generator plants at Black Hall Road, capable of producing 17 megawatts, and the Kingtom Power Stations, with a capacity of 10 megawatts. He stated that these efforts would result in the generation of over 20 megawatts of electricity once the plants are restored. Furthermore, he disclosed plans to upgrade the Dodo Hydro Dam in Kenema.
The Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, informed the Chief Minister that the government owned 54 solar mini-grids, which were providing rural communities with 3 kilowatts per hour per household. He revealed that the government had spent $13 million since January to subsidize energy for the citizens of Sierra Leone. Additionally, he mentioned that the previous year saw the government providing over 700 billion Leones in subsidies to alleviate the burden of energy costs for consumers. This action was taken due to the disparity between the current tariff rate and the exchange rate.
Given the magnitude of the task at hand in terms of sustainable electricity distribution in the capital, Freetown, this engagement was considered essential and well-timed.