By: Ilyasa Baa
The process for the electrification of ninety communities within the Western Rural District stretching over to Tombo has begun in earnest with feasibility studies being carried out and in December the Electricity Distribution Authority (EDSA) will commence full scale mobilization of materials for the work to be done.
Sahr Nappor EDSA Spokesman, says the Mini Grid Project will benefit communities earlier referred to as grey areas which have never been connected before. He said by next month, the Authority will be mobilizing the resources needed for the project having carried out the feasibility studies to ascertain what is needed for the electrification to go on as smooth as possible.
He cautioned those using illegal means to acquire electricity noting that the Authority has to be financially strong to implement the mini grid project so that more Sierra Leoneans will enjoy electricity within the shortest possible time. He informed them that a grace period of two weeks have been placed on those whose meters are not working properly to come forward and report to EDSA so actions to rectify the issues will be speedily carried out by the Authority.
He called on community stakeholders to be vigilant and report those in illegal connection. He noted that the identity of whistleblowers will not be disclosed and they will be duly compensated if they reveal the acts of illegal connectivity.
It could be recalled that seven EDSA staff were dismissed less than two months ago after facing the disciplinary committee. The Authority maintains that jobless technicians are in the habit of tampering with their metres and connections in the communities.