By Politico staff writer
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay has over the last weekend launched the electrification project of Jojoima in Kailahun district and Boajibu in Kenema district.
Speaking at the event on Saturday 5th June, the Minister said he has the responsibility of providing electricity for not just the big cities but smaller communities like the two.
“President Julius Maada Bio wants electricity to be everywhere in the country. The President always says that electricity is a human right and as minister, I will continue to give light to the country. We're not only giving light to Bo and Kenema but to other areas. I am not doing you favour but it is your right to get light", Sesay said.
He added that the CLSG line which is providing electricity for bigger towns is in progress but as government, they have to also give electricity to even smaller communities as they're part of Sierra Leone.
The Minister called on the two communities to be watchdogs so that bad people will not come and destroy the cables as they're doing in Freetown, while promising the two towns that they will look into the tariff.
Speaking at the event, Keikura Vandy, Chairman for the Energy committee in parliament said the committee will monitor the electricity projects, while also commending the work of the minister.
Civil society activist, William Sao Lamin said his organization will continue to advocate for more communities to get light while they will monitor the electricity projects across the country.
“As CSO's, we're satisfied with the ongoing rural electrification in Kenema and Kailahun districts and the country as a whole", Lamin said. He called on the two towns to be paying their electricity bills as energy is not free.
Councilor Kona Messie Dowai of constituency 006 Jojoima town said that she was happy for the electricity and noted that their children will have the opportunity to sit and study for a long time. She said that they have already formed committees to monitor the cables to prevent stealing.
Simbaru chiefdom Speaker, Boajibu town, Mohamed Vandi Kimbo described the event as historic.
“Boajibu town last had electricity on the 27th June, 1994 only to return today, 6th June 2021. That’s after 27 years," he said.
The smaller towns’ electrification, through the Mini Grid project according to officials, will benefit over 90 communities across Sierra Leone.
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