By: James Kamara-Manneh
The President of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio has agreed to the signing of a $3.6 million dollar electricity project for Bonthe district. This was made public on 24th December 2020.
It is an agreement reached by the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance representing the government of Sierra Leone and the Oversea Trading & Construction Company and Sewa Venture (SL) Limited Joint Venture.
Addressing a large gathering in Bonthe, President Bio lamented the fact that the district had for decades been neglected and deprived of basic amenities such as pipe borne water and electricity.
“As an indigene I will ensure that Bonthe restores its glory. My government has been financing the ongoing road project, now the signing of this electricity project will ensures that this district will be lit-up in the next 12 months,” President Bio promised.
He added that the signing of the document in the presence of the Bonthe people was a deliberate attempt by the government to give hope that 24 hours electricity will soon guaranteed in the district.
The Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay said the event was a fulfillment of the campaign promise of President Bio to end the dark chapter in Bonthe district.
“We are gathered here today to witness the signing of contract for the design, installation and commissioning of 11 KV SUB transmission and distribution network in Bonthe Island,” the Energy Minister announced.
The Minister used the occasion to explain the various component of the power generation and distribution system including poles, cables and transformers.
He said the contract will entail the transporting of poles, running of cables, the installation of 10 transformers, 10 pieces of low voltage panel, 4800,000 meters of underground cables, 35 pieces transmission kits, 332 pieces earthen rods, 600 poles for Bonthe town.
He said the signed agreement will provide 14000 meters of overhead cables for the 11KV 1, whereas the 0.4 KV 1 will contain 19,000 meters of cables. The second phase of the contract will ensure a complete change of the old power and also the construction of 1-11 KVA switch engine station.
The Minister said this contract agreement would create jobs for the people of Bonthe Island and the contractors have agreed not to hire any manual labor from outside the district except skilled workers.
He disclosed that the project is entirely funded by the government of Sierra Leone, and appealed to the Ministry of Finance to continue cooperating with the contractors.
“This project is not only for Bonthe district we have been working in other districts including Kabala, Kambia, Moyamba, Kailahun, Pujehun, and Mattru Jong,” the Minister revealed.
The Mayor of Bonthe Municipal, Layemin Joe Sandi reassured the press that “we are willing to take ownership of the project by supporting the contractors.”
He promised to engage the different ward councilors to monitor the project and to work closely with the contractors for success.
Mayor Sandi said they are willing to contribute towards the fast pace implementation of the project in terms of storage facility and accommodation for the workers.
The Manager of Oversea Trading & Construction Company and Sewa Venture (SL) Limited Joint Venture, Mahmud Sesay confirmed that the project worth $3.6 million.
“We have done similar project with Kissy industry that deals with fishing and so many different projects” the Manager disclosed.
He said this project is monumental and they want to be part of its accomplishment without compromising quality.
“We will make sure that all necessary materials that will be supplied are of high standards and certified by Electricity Distributing Service Authority, EDSA,” Sesay said.
