By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
Responding to ‘fake news’ about the shutting down of the Karpowership in Sierra Leone, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah has dispelled rumours about the closing of Karpowership.
Bah made this clarification in a government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday 30th January this year.
"The news that the Karpowership is coming to shut down is not true," Bah emphasised.
Since the increment in electricity tariffs last year, the minister said the government has been 'consistent' in complying with its obligations to Karpowership, and that they have been paying fifty billion old Leones to Karpowership every month.
He however acknowledged that the government has arrears to pay to the Karpowership, but that they have approved the first payment of twelve million dollars in a week.
The Ministry of Finance, he added is in 'conversation' with Karpowership to pay the arrears. The first disbursement of twelve million dollars would be paid into the account of the Karpowership by the Ministry of Finance, he emphasised, adding they 'just want to finish with payment of salaries this week.
To assure the public of electricity supply, the Minister said “We are not currently in danger of electricity supply. We have the assurances of the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Finance," he noted, emphasizing that the two are in touch with Karpowership.
Speaking on fake news, Bah said the rumour about a new election to be conducted is also not true. He noted that they are working to ensure resolutions made during the signing of a communiqué between the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, and Dr.Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress were implemented. ’’The next elections will be held in 2028,” Bah said.
Copyright © 2024 (Politico 31/01/24)
