The Government of Sierra Leone has completed the installation of the 33kV transmission power line between Bo and Kenema.

According to recent updates, the network will be powered in the coming weeks, bringing stable electricity to more than 300000 people across the two cities and nearby areas.

The project is part of a broader energy effort launched in 2020 to improve electricity access in Sierra Leone’s southern and eastern regions. As part of the work, a 70 kilometre overhead line was built to connect new substations in Bandajuma in Bo and Bandama in Kenema. Older substations in both cities were also upgraded to handle better supply and wider coverage.

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Each substation is equipped with three new transformers. These include a larger 20 slash 26 MVA unit and two smaller 10 slash 14 MVA units to help boost power delivery and manage local distribution more effectively. Once activated, this system is expected to reduce long standing power issues in both cities.

More than 54000 households are expected to benefit from the project, including at least 37000 new customers who will be connected through prepaid meters. Power supply along the Bo Kenema corridor has been limited for years despite access to the regional CLSG line. This upgrade is set to change that.

Earlier this week, Deputy Minister of Energy Dr Abdul Rahim Jalloh visited the site and confirmed that the final stages of work are already underway. Full commissioning is expected soon. The official launch will likely be led by President Julius Maada Bio.

The upgrade is supported by the Government of Sierra Leone along with key development partners including the African Development Bank and the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. The project also supports Sierra Leone’s link to the wider CLSG power network which connects Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

When powered on, the improved network will serve homes, businesses, schools and health facilities across Bo, Kenema and surrounding towns. It is expected to bring more stable and reliable electricity to thousands of families and small businesses across the region.