A significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery in Yele Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone, was marked by a meeting convened by the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on September 26, 2024

Key stakeholders gathered to discuss the implementation of the Solar Enough Power project at the town’s local health center.

The gathering included partners, EPC contractors, Journalists and hospital staff, highlighting a collaborative approach to addressing energy needs in the Facility.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the project’s progress, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions for improving healthcare services.

The Solar Enough Power project aims to provide reliable and sufficient electricity to the Yele Community Health Centre, ensuring that essential medical services are not hindered by power outages.

Challenges in the implementation of the project were also a focal point of the discussions. Stakeholders raised concerns about potential delays in equipment delivery and the need for adequate training for hospital staff to effectively utilize the new solar technology. EPC contractors outlined their strategies to mitigate these challenges, including streamlined logistics and tailored faithful relationship with other outside partners and citizens Yele both home and aboard for a productive healthcare projects delivery.

Paramount Chief representative, Mr Ibrahim Sesay ” chiefdom speaker” voiced his hopes for the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care, particularly in emergency situations where reliable power is crucial.

Abdul Yusif Tarawally, is the CHO in-charged expressed his profound gratitude and appreciations to the Donor and partners for the collaboration with Sierra Leone Government for such an initiative.

CHO A.Y. unbehalf of his staff, appeals to EPC contractors to extend the power connection to the staff quarters and other significant areas within the hospital.
He also reported of an excessive leakages on the roof where the solar panels were fixed.

FCDO rep. responded to all statement, assured the CHO for a proper maintenance of the said roof leakages.
He said, this project is a two phase design.
1st phase is to powered the medical building/hospital only. And the 2nd phase would be catering for staff quarters and other places around the facility.
He said, his company has just ended similar projects for hospitals in Nigeria before coming to Sierra Leone.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to maintain open lines of communication and collaboratively address any obstacles that may arise.

FCDO officials expressed their gratitude to the stakeholders for their participation and reiterated the UK government’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives in healthcare facilities, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

Questions and concerns were filed by participants.

The FCDO rep. Said, the Solar batteries has a warranty of ten years. He highlighted that, warranty would be successfully achieved if protocols are well observed.

As the project moves forward, the FCDO and its partners remain optimistic about the positive impact of the Solar Enough Power initiative on the Yele community and look forward to sharing updates on its progress in the coming months.