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Parliament ratified amendments to power purchase agreements on Thursday, paving the way for the development of the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project.
The ratified agreements include the Amendment Agreement to the Power Purchase Agreement and Implementation Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited, as well as a new Interconnection Agreement.
Minister of Energy Cyril Arnold Grant described the ratification as a significant step in expanding the country’s energy infrastructure, noting that Sierra Leone remains power-deficient and the amendments aim to enhance operational efficiency.
The agreements include an electricity tariff adjustment of approximately 9.6 cents per kilowatt hour.
Parliamentary Committee Chairman for Energy Hon. Momoh Bockarie emphasized that the agreements will boost job creation, generating employment for about 1,500 Sierra Leoneans. He noted the country currently has approximately 157.17 megawatts of electricity.
While most lawmakers supported the ratification, some voiced concerns. Hon. Tamba Kellie expressed dissatisfaction with the tariff adjustment, stating it would burden customers. Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo questioned the absence of parent agreement documents and raised concerns about implementation delays since the initial 2023 ratification.
Majority Leader Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma clarified that the operational period is 25 years and defended the agreements as essential for national development, calling for a comprehensive National Energy Plan.
The motion to delay ratification pending full document presentation was withdrawn.
In a separate development, Parliament also approved the State-Owned Enterprises and Governance Act, establishing a framework for transparency and accountability in managing state-owned enterprises.
