By: Mohamed M. Sesay
At the signing of the $311 Million Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), President Bio reminded Development Partners that he has indicated on many occasions that Africa is rich in renewable energy sources adding that, the time is right for sound planning to get the right energy mix at the lowest costs to the economies of the respective partner countries.
President Bio also expressed undying optimism that they can light up households and businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth while meeting their climate change commitments, especially in a region that is adversely affected by climate change.
He intimated that the choices and decisions they make today as heads of state would help shape the continent’s energy sector for decades. He expressed elation about the collaboration and commitments between governments and the World Bank that have delivered this $311M project. He stressed that it is indeed an investment in the region’s future.
President Bio also nursed the credo that the signing of the project was just the beginning of a long journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sierra Leone and the West Africa region. He said he is confident that with the support of their partners and the determination of their people, they would be able to achieve the goal of providing clean, green, reliable and sustainable energy to all.
At the same time, he said related governments would keep in step with their global commitments on climate actions. He assured that their governments remain open to cleaner energy transitions and that their countries are open to investments in building greener and more sustainable energy futures.
“We collectively take this bold step in the right energy direction. RESPITE is the beginning of a revolution in energy supply and access in our respective countries, and I again thank the World Bank for this innovative and stellar initiative”, he said.
