By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Cyril Arnold Grant, has assured citizens that substantial improvements in electricity supply will begin to take effect from the first quarter of 2027 as the government accelerates investments in power generation and distribution infrastructure nationwide.
Speaking at the Government Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown on Tuesday, Minister Grant attributed recent power outages, particularly in the capital, to seasonal reductions in water levels at the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam and scheduled maintenance work on one of its turbines.
He explained that the maintenance exercise has now been completed and disclosed that the Bumbuna facility is currently generating between nine and 10 megawatts of electricity. He added that power generated by Karpowership and thermal plants continues to supplement supply to the national grid.
The Minister announced that President Julius Maada Bio is expected to commission the country’s completed 30-megawatt solar power project at Newton on June 10, describing it as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen energy security.
According to Grant, the project includes a 15-megawatt battery storage system designed to enhance the reliability and stability of electricity supply within the Freetown network.
He further disclosed that a 20-megawatt solar power project is currently under construction in Benguema, while another 10-megawatt solar facility is being developed in Lungi under the Regional Emergency Solar Project.
Highlighting future power generation prospects, Grant stated that the Nant Energy Project remains on schedule, with turbine equipment already delivered to the project site. He said the project is expected to generate 60 megawatts during its first phase by the first quarter of 2027 before expanding its capacity to 108 megawatts later that year.
The Minister also revealed that the government has signed agreements worth approximately US$70 million to expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project. The expansion is expected to add between 50 and 60 megawatts of generation capacity, significantly increasing electricity production during the rainy season.
Grant emphasized that the government’s strategy extends beyond increasing electricity generation. He noted that investments are also being made in substations, transmission lines, transformers, and distribution networks to ensure that additional power reaches homes and businesses efficiently.
He stressed that reliable electricity remains a critical pillar for attracting investment, supporting business growth, creating employment opportunities, and driving Sierra Leone’s long-term economic transformation.
During the press conference, the Managing Editor of Women’s Voice Newspaper, Femi Coker, commended the government’s efforts in the energy sector and called for the deployment of community-based mechanisms to combat electricity theft and vandalism, which continue to undermine power supply across the country.
She also urged citizens to support national development by reporting illegal activities within the energy sector and promoting the responsible dissemination of information.
The Government Weekly Press Conference is organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to provide regular updates on government policies, programmes, and national development initiatives.