By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Residents of Makeni are expected to benefit from improved electricity supply and better road infrastructure within the next year, following commitments made by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio during a Presidential Townhall meeting in the city.
Speaking at the engagement, President Bio explained the reasons behind the current disparities in electricity supply across different parts of Sierra Leone. He stated that cities such as Bo, Kenema, and Kailahun currently enjoy more stable power supply because the government supplements domestic generation by purchasing electricity from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.
He noted that the government is working to improve and stabilize electricity supply nationwide, with Makeni identified as a priority area expected to receive more consistent power by next year.
The President further explained that low water levels during the dry season remain a major challenge affecting hydroelectric power generation. He added that the situation is often worsened during seasonal transitions when water levels in reservoirs are insufficient for optimal production.
Despite these challenges, President Bio assured residents that measures are being implemented to strengthen the national power supply system and improve reliability across the country. He reaffirmed that Makeni will benefit from enhanced electricity services in the coming year as part of this broader intervention.
On infrastructure development, the President emphasized that his government will collaborate more closely with the private sector to upgrade the Masiaka–Makeni–Magburaka Highway into a dual carriageway. He described Makeni as a growing economic and commercial hub, stating that improved road networks are essential to support trade, ease transportation, and promote regional development.
He also issued a directive to the Minister of Works and the Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) to urgently rehabilitate Makama Road within Makeni. The road is a key internal route that also provides direct access to the regional hospital.
“We must do everything possible to fix Makama Road with urgency,” President Bio emphasized during the Townhall.
He said the directive forms part of a broader government effort to improve road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the country.
The dual focus on electricity and road development, he added, reflects the government’s commitment to aligning infrastructure investment with Makeni’s growing importance as a center for commerce and regional movement.
Government officials present at the event stated that technical teams will follow up on the President’s directives regarding both power stabilization and road rehabilitation.