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On June 20 last year, just four days before the general elections, Pujehun township was elated when a long-awaited generator was switched on, lighting up the town for the first time in decades, in fulfillment of a manifesto promise by President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction government.
The groundbreaking event saw notable personalities including the then Energy Minister, government appointees from Pujehun District, Members of Parliament, district stakeholders, and many others in attendance. They celebrated what was supposed to be a new era for Pujehun—a promise of consistent and sustainable electricity.
Back on December 31st, 2020, Sierra Leone’s former Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, officially signed contracts for the electrification of Pujehun Township and six other district headquarters. During the signing ceremony, Sesay emphasized that Pujehun was crucial to the New Direction administration and deserved sustainable electricity. At the contract signing for the 11KV Sub Transmission and Distribution Network in Pujehun Town, Sesay highlighted that the project aimed to establish the necessary infrastructure for electricity supply in Pujehun and surrounding towns like Gobaru, Yoni, and Massam Kpaka.
Dr. Francis Kaikai, former Minister of Planning and Economic Development, a native of Pujehun, hailed the event as a significant development milestone for the district. The then Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Pujehun District, Madam Matilda Yayui Minah, encouraged unity and highlighted the potential economic and social benefits of the electrification project.
Despite the initial fanfare and promises, the generator, which was supposed to provide 24-hour electricity backed by a solar hybrid system, only lasted a few hours before the town returned to darkness. Since then, residents have been waiting for a resolution, their hopes continually dashed, as they are still waiting for the light like the coming of Jesus Christ.
Although Pujehun District fully supported the ruling government in the elections, winning all parliamentary and local council seats, the township remains without reliable electricity. Many residents have reverted to using Tiger Generators, Chinese lights, candles, or locally made lanterns.
Reports indicate that the low number of connected customers in Pujehun makes it difficult to generate funds for fuel. The government-provided 250 meters were distributed mostly to affluent residents, excluding average citizens who cannot afford the meters. Suggestions have been made for district philanthropists, particularly government appointees, to provide meters for average residents to increase the customer base.
Recently, Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh, also from Pujehun, conducted a WhatsApp poll regarding the preferred time intervals for generating electricity within an 8 to 10-hour daily period. Despite participation, no positive updates have emerged, and the township remains in darkness.
On April 20, 2020, President Bio’s government disbursed Le66.4 billion Leones to contractors for the electrification projects in seven districts, including Pujehun. This advance payment represented 30% of the contract prices for the transmission and distribution networks. The breakdown of the 30% advance payment by district is as follows:
- Kambia – Le7,096,260,616
- Kailahun – Le14,848,109,365
- Kabala – Le7,578,269,676
- Moyamba – Le8,956,293,430
- Mattru – Le11,775,016,854
- Bonthe Island – Le8,910,525,228
- Pujehun – Le7,231,007,715
The disappointed residents are now asking: where is the electricity they were promised?
The problems of pujehun District base on the potential Leaders in the government from that part of the country. The District deserve electricity before this time like the others in the nation, all the leaders only focus on their self and families but not having the district at heart it’s a very big blow on our faces and a disappoinment from our brothers and sisters Inform I concluded .
Una go learn