His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has during an inspection visit at energy project sites in Bonthe district, commended the Ministry of Energy and international partners for undertaking a variety of electricity projects aimed at transforming the social and economic lives of the people of Bonthe district.

While taking the President on a conducted tour of project sites, Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Eldred Taylor, gave an overview of the Bonthe District Electrification Project, which he said comprises grid connectivity and mini grids.

In the area of grid connectivity, Dr. Taylor told President Bio that the Bonthe City Electrification Project was now at an impressively advanced stage,adding that the erection of poles had been completed,the stringing of cables was ongoing and that the transformers had been imported and were already at the project sites.

In respect of developments on the mainland of Mattru Jong and the surrounding villages of Luawa,Semabu,Moyowa,Grima and Tihun, Dr. Taylor said the erection of poles was ongoing and that transformers for the project were now being taken to project sites.

He said the procurement processes for solar and thermal generation for the Island and the mainland would soon commence.

On the mini grid front, Deputy Minister of Energy informed President Bio that mini grids at Sogbini,Gbap and Madina Bum chiefdoms were now fully operational on a 24-hour basis,noting that plans were underway for the expansion of the facilities.

He said the mini grids at Mogbemo Imperi and Imperi chiefdoms were being fixed up,with installation of distribution networks completed and the official switching on of the light expected to take place in June this year.

In response,President Julius Maada Bio said he was more than impressed with the strides and conscious efforts made by the Ministry of Energy to increase access to electricity in his home district,adding that that was consistent with his manifesto commitments on energy.

He said when completed,the various projects would give Bonthe a social facelift as well as improve the livelihoods of the people. President Bio concluded by saying that his government was committed to doing more in the area of energy in every part of the country.

The energy sector reforms continue.