December 22, 2021
BY MOHAMED M. SESAY
The House of Parliament has on Tuesday the 21st of December 2021, unanimously ratified 217 million dollars Freetown Power Generation project agreement. The project is to provide 148.5MW of stable electricity power supply especially in the East end Part of Freetown.
Addressing Members of Parliament for the ratification of the agreement, the Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay said the electricity road map 2018-2030 targets to increase power generation capacity from 100MW of installed capacity to 1800MW. He added that the capital of Sierra Leone (Freetown) like many other part of the country is suffering from inadequate power supply.
Minister Kanja Sesay acknowledged that the situation particularly in the East end part of Freetown such as Kissy, Wellington and beyond are very poor He attributed this to the fact that most of the available power supply is concentrated in the West end of the City.
Energy Minister therefore, disclosed that government has worked tirelessly with project sponsors to raise 217 million dollars in order to support Freetown Power Generation. He added that the project site is located approximately four kilo meters east of Central Freetown.
Kanja Sesay also intimated that new overhead transmission lines from Kissy to Wellington will be constructed. He further stated that the project also includes the construction of new sub stations in projects sites in order to enhance existing sub stations at Wellington.
Alhaji Kanja Sesay also disclosed that government has worked assiduously in developing the Western Area Power generation project which will significantly improve electricity supply service and reliability in Freetown and its environs. He said the project is sponsored and developed by AD Power Limited with 50.1% and the TCQ Power limited with 49.9%. He also informed that the United States International Development Finance Corporation will provide 217 million dollars towards the project as a sole lender.
Kanja Sesay continued that the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) have jointly signed the contract for the 148.5 MW power generation agreements in order to supply, install, construct and commission a thermal power plant at Kissy for the period of twenty years. He added that phase one of the project will provide 83.5 MW stable electricity supply, whilst phase two of the project will lead to tariff reductions.
He assured Members of Parliament that the they have conducted an environmental and social impact assessment for which an environmental management plan has been developed. He said the Environmental Protection Agency has equally approved the license since on 6th July 2021. Kanja Sesay also intimated that at least 80% of workforce will be provided by Sierra Leoneans which adds up to job opportunity for the country.
Alhaji Kanja Sesay concluded by acknowledging the fact that Electricity and energy is the driving force for socio-economic development of the country. He said President Bio prioritized the energy sector as one of the key areas of focus in the New Direction manifesto with the objective to increase access to energy throughout the country. He noted that scaling up electricity access is paramount to achieve the New Direction agenda in transforming the economy of the country.
“We look forward to your support in helping us deliver this important project for our people in Sierra Leone. Mr. Speaker Hon. Members, be it resolved that this honorable house hereby ratifies the following agreement which was laid on the table in this house on Thursday 16th December 2021 amended and restated power purchase agreement relating to the 148.5 MW Freetown Generation project”, said Kanja Sesay.
Taking into cognizance that the agreement is not controversial but rather in the best interest of the nation, Honorable Members of Parliament swiftly and unanimously ratified the agreement. The Leader of the Main Opposition All People’s Congress Party Hon. Chernor Bah lauded the Minister for such people centered agreement. The Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma concluded the debate by commending the hard work of the Minister in ensuring that sustainable power supply is provided in the country.