By Politico Staff Writer
The Sierra Leone Parliament has approved the extension of the power supply agreement between the government and the Turkish company providing electricity to Freetown through its sea vessels. The House on Tuesday 3rd November ratified the agreement that will see Karadeniz Powership Kaya Bey Company continue to provide power supply to the city and environs. The agreement had earlier been signed on the 30th June this year.
Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, in presenting the agreement to Parliament, reminded the House of the Kapowership agreement two years ago, and the importance of the new agreement which he described as the most reliable for the provision of electricity at this time. He informed the House that the Bumbuna Dam and the West African Power Pool are not up to the task for now and hence the need for re-negotiation with Kapowership to supply electricity for the next 5 years.
In his contribution to the debate, the Chairman of the Committee on Energy in Parliament, Keikura Vandy, acknowledged the tremendous efforts made by government to restore electricity supply in the country that he cited as a “a human rights issue”. He said the electricity problem in the country has continued for far too long in respect of generation, distribution and sustainability.
House Opposition Whip, Hassan Sesay, commended the chairman of the Committee for recognizing the concept of continuity in governance and went on to point out the hike of tariffs relating to the consumption of energy in the country, which he said is seriously affecting the people of Sierra Leone.
National Grand Coalition leader, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, spoke against any politicization of electricity and encouraged the Energy Minister to work with Parliament in addressing the long standing problems of power supply in the country. He highlighted the need for long term fixes as against temporary ones, and made reference to measures taken by other countries like Ghana and Rwanda to address electricity challenges.
Contributing to the debate, Coalition for Change leader, Saa Emerson Lamina praised the agreement and suggested that the Minister seriously look at the“Bikongor” waterfalls which he said can be the long term solution to power supply hurdles in Sierra Leone.
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