The Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Eldred Tunde Taylor has on Sunday 27th June 2021 commissioned 100kw solar grid in Sahn town, Malen chiefdom, Pujehun district.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Taylor said Jendema, Fairo, and Blama Massaquoi communities in the Pujehun district will benefit from the mini solar grid and that Pujehun township’s electrification project is ongoing. He assured that the mini solar grid is a reliable source of electricity.
Dr. Taylor noted that they have encouraged the contractors "Powergem" to train the indigenes about electricity and how to maintenance and operate the mini solar grid so in the future the indigenes will be brought on board to serve their people instead of going to look elsewhere.
He appealed to the people of Sahn town to take ownership of the project, and not allow people to destroy the cables and materials.
Speaking at the event, Paramount Chief Brima Victor Sidie Kebbie III of Malen Chiefdom thanked the government for the development drive in his chiefdom and called on his people to protect the mini solar grid project.
Giving an overview of the mini-grid project, the Energy Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Junisa said that the mini-grid project costs 49 million dollars and funded by DFID now FCDO. He said the government requested funding to provide electricity for chiefdom headquarter towns. Junisa said the first phase of the project has ended and they were now implementing the second phase of the project targeting 99 communities across Sierra Leone.
The Customer Service Manager of the contracting company, powergem Mohamed Jalloh said that the people of Sahn town cooperated with his staff in ensuring that the project becomes successful. Mohamed Jalloh added that 454 meters were supplied to the people of Sahn town but will be increased to 500 because of the demand.
Francess Goodman a trader at Sahn said that they have moved away from darkness and that they will now do their businesses that have to do with electricity without much hindrance.
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