By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a bold move to bolster Sierra Leone’s energy sector, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has on Wednesday 4th December 2024 launched the 52 Megawatts (MW) Regional Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE) at Newton, just outside Freetown.
Representing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Jalloh hailed the project as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to providing safer, more accessible, and affordable electricity for all Sierra Leoneans.
The RESPITE project, spearheaded by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) with support from the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone, aims to deliver 40MW at Newton, 10MW at Lungi, and an additional 12MW at Newton. It is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Addressing a gathering of government officials, community leaders, and energy stakeholders, Dr. Jalloh emphasized the pivotal role electricity plays in national development. “This launch symbolizes President Bio’s steadfast vision for a brighter, more prosperous Sierra Leone. Electricity is not just a utility; it is the backbone of economic growth, social progress, and revenue generation,” he asserted.
The Vice President also highlighted several transformative initiatives recently undertaken by the government, including the commissioning of an iron manufacturing factory in Songo, the new Lumley Bus Park and Market, and the youth empowerment drive through tricycles and motorbikes. These projects, he noted, align with the government’s Big Five agenda, which focuses on improving livelihoods, stimulating growth, and strengthening the nation’s economic framework.
Dr. Jalloh extended gratitude to development partners, particularly the World Bank, for their steadfast support in advancing Sierra Leone’s energy sector. He also commended energy stakeholders and agencies for their dedication to delivering on presidential commitments, while issuing a stern warning against illegal electricity connections, which he described as counterproductive to national progress.
The Deputy Minister of Energy I, Dr. Eldred Taylor, who hails from Newton, expressed his elation at the project’s launch, calling it a redress of historical injustices endured by communities in the Western Rural District. “Over 40 communities in the Western Rural District will benefit from this groundbreaking initiative. This is a turning point, and I thank President Bio and former Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay for pioneering this transformative project,” he said.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group and Energy Sector Lead, provided an in-depth overview of the government’s short-, medium-, and long-term energy strategies. He noted that the RESPITE project is a crucial component of these plans, aimed at addressing immediate energy needs while paving the way for sustained growth in the sector.
The energy sector’s growth aligns closely with the government’s Feed Salone agenda, showcasing the interconnected nature of national development goals. As reforms continue to reshape the energy landscape, projects like RESPITE signal a new era of service delivery and infrastructure improvement for Sierra Leone.
The launch of the 52MW RESPITE project is not just a celebration of technological progress; it is a bold declaration of the government’s resolve to empower its citizens, drive economic growth, and transform the nation’s energy future.