By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
In a bid to alleviate the ongoing electricity crisis, the Sierra Leone government has engaged Ugandan company Dipro International Engineering. Earlier this week, Franklyn Fawundu, Deputy Director-General of Operations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a productive meeting with the management team of Dipro International. The primary focus of the discussion was the development of a 20 MW solar energy system aimed at enhancing the country’s power output and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Sierra Leone is currently grappling with electricity challenges, particularly as the dry season impacts power generation from the Bumbuna Hydro Power Dam. This has resulted in intermittent power cuts in the capital, Freetown. The recent meeting with Dipro International presents an opportunity to explore alternative energy solutions and improve infrastructure for a more reliable power supply in the future.
On March 10, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) reported a shortage of electricity affecting numerous communities in Freetown and the Western Area District. This issue has been attributed to reduced water levels in the Bumbuna Dam, located in Tonkolili, which has significantly impacted overall electricity generation capacity.
Deputy Energy Minister Ing. Edmond Nonie addressed the situation during a recent television program, stating that the government is actively working to construct a solar energy system to mitigate the effects of power outages in the capital. Currently, Sierra Leone relies on power from the Bumbuna Dam, a few thermal plants, and a Turkish company, Karpowership.
In April of last year, the country’s debt to Karpowership exceeded $46 million, leading to the temporary shutdown of their generators. The debt was subsequently settled following the resignation of Energy Minister Kanja Sesay.
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