By: Musa Kamara
Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, has welcomed the recent findings from the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) on the state of electricity supply in Freetown, describing the report as “a fair reflection of the progress and challenges in our energy transition journey.”
The IGR’s latest public perception survey revealed that 76% of respondents believe electricity supply in Freetown has improved, 12% say there has been no change, and another 12% think the situation has worsened.
In response to the findings, Dr. Yumkella spoke with Andrew Lavalie, Executive Director of IGR, and stated that the results reflect the “real, measurable improvements” in energy generation, distribution, and rural electrification efforts under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership. “When I see that 76% of our people recognize progress, I take that not as a personal victory but as validation of our collective effort,” he noted. “The energy sector is complex, but we have made real gains, including new mini-grids, expanded connections, increased renewable capacity, and improved management within EDSA.”
Under Dr. Yumkella’s coordination, the government of President Bio has launched several flagship initiatives aimed at improving access and reliability. These include the Energy Transition Roadmap, the Mission 300 Compact, expanded solar mini-grids serving remote communities, and new partnerships that have boosted generation capacity. He highlighted that Freetown’s average daily power availability has improved significantly compared to five years ago, and rural electrification rates have steadily risen.
However, Dr. Yumkella was also candid about the remaining challenges. “We take seriously the 12% who feel nothing has changed and the 12% who think things are worse. Their feedback is vital, and it reminds us that progress must be inclusive and consistent across the country,” he added.
Dr. Yumkella also addressed the growing problem of vandalism and illegal electricity connections, which he described as major threats to the country’s progress in the sector. “We are losing valuable infrastructure and revenue because of vandalism and unsafe connections,” he warned. “I want to urge communities to become watchdogs, protect your transformers, report illegal tapping, and take ownership of the power systems in your areas.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders public, private, and community-based to ensure that every Sierra Leonean enjoys reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
“Energy transition is not a sprint; it’s a long relay,” he said. “But what’s important is that we’re moving firmly in the right direction.”