By Newnan Anthony Levey in Bo
The Ministry of Energy has installed two new transformers in Blama Town, Kenema District, eastern Sierra Leone.
Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay presided over the installation at a ceremony on Saturday 22nd August. The 160kilo watts and 200 kilo watts transformers were installed in the same town that is located in the Small Bo Chiefdom. Mr Sesay noted that President Julius Maada Bio had promised electricity to the people, which is what he, as Energy Minister, has been delivering on across the country.
He acknowledged the fact that initially there were a lot of challenges with power supply across the country when he took over, which made people to misunderstand what his leadership drive was all about.
Minister Sesay went on to say that to ensure sustainable electricity in the country, his government needed to plan well. He therefore informed the gathering that over 30 containers of poles, cables and other accessories have arrived in the country to ensure sustainable electricity supply for Sierra Leoneans. He further noted that plans were on the way to provide rural electrification across the country.
"Blama, it is your right to have energy. You do not need to beg for it. It is our responsibility as government to provide you light", he stated, adding that the Member of Parliament for the constituency requested for a transformer for the community and that he was able to deliver it at a short notice.
Sasay admonished the people of Blama to handle and protect the two transformers whiles encouraging them to buy electricity meters that will allow them access the electricity into their homes.
In his statement, Paramount Chief Ndafie Benya V of Small Bo Chiefdom expressed gratitude over the electrification of his chiefdom.
He therefore encouraged his people to protect the two new transformers given to them, noting that generator is very expensive but that with the transformers, they can now access electricity at a cheaper rate.
Musa Peter Moigua is the MP for Constituency 011, where the chiefdom falls. He noted that he was proud to see the Ministry of Energy installed two new transformers and over three solar panels for his people even though he requested for one.
“I was expecting one transformer but surprisingly the Energy Minister took two transformers for the township,” he said. He encouraged his people to support the government, noting that there were more developmental strides on the way.
Youth leader for Small Bo Chiefdom, Mohamed J. Kougbaka, noted that electricity was a felt need by his people.
“Pupils who write public exams are not making it up because there was no electricity. Business people were not getting sales because of no electricity, and thieves were coming to our community from other areas because they know that we were in complete blackout", he lamented.
Mariama Barrie, a trader in Blama Town, said that they were grateful to the government for restoring electricity to the town, noting that the move has brought to an end the ordeal struggling to travel to Kenema to buy ice block to preserve their drinks for sale.
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