Current Electricity Infrastructure Cannot Meet Growing Demand

Current Electricity Infrastructure Cannot Meet Growing Demand – Chief Minister Sengeh

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, addressed the nation at a government press conference, acknowledging the ongoing electricity challenges in Freetown.

The Chief Minister explained that the current electricity infrastructure simply cannot keep up with the growing demand. Freetown requires 100 megawatts of power, but the existing system can only handle a maximum of 80 megawatts.

Upgrading the infrastructure, a vast network of 10,000 kilometers of cable that has been in place for 63 years, is a complex undertaking and won’t be a quick fix.

Sengeh also expressed frustration with widespread electricity theft. “We have many churches, mosques, ministries, and even houses stealing electricity,” he stated. He urged citizens to stop these practices, including using illegal meters or tampering with meters, as they deprive the government of much-needed revenue.

Recently, the Chief Minister intervened in a payment dispute between the Ministry of Finance and Karpowership, a company supplying electricity.

With unpaid dues of approximately $46 million, Karpowership threatened to halt service. Sengeh convened a meeting with key stakeholders, stressing the urgency of the situation. His efforts led to a significant payment from the Ministry of Finance to Karpowership, resolving the immediate impasse.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Mustapha Kamara | 2024-05-05 20:03:02

For the past 27 years other governence have been in power , what are the planned did they put in place for this our beloved country; we all are sitting down there blaming the Bio government: Bor duya make we sudom, even if na u them put yandam u go wost past all. Please,as a propetricts citizens make we talk as if we read History please.
| 2024-05-05 12:07:12

What I think as a citizen is that we dont want to enbrance our own electricity generating source. If I may ask these few questions, 1 what is wrong with Bubuna hydro electric power. 2 What about Binkongor, are they not enough to generate electricity for the entire country. In conclusion there is no need for Tokish KARPOWER SHIP and CLSG I se it as a waste if resources and backwardness.
| 2024-05-05 09:06:36

How many times did you raise tariff for the people,just imagine 100 Leone's top up 32 unit
| 2024-05-05 07:24:52

This is fortunate because not long ago the cables were changed and also the poles. what the minister is saying about 63 years I cannot understand. They changed the strands to bulky ones.
| 2024-05-05 06:58:34

Let just have the 80%
| 2024-05-04 22:39:05

😭as pupil 5x frustrated
| 2024-05-02 17:02:17

Was not this thing that was supplying light here in Freetown even when we entered this year just within a few days we are now hearing thieves also it couldn't supply because of the megawatts outrage. In all this, I have learned one thing you are not up to what you are blaming others for.
| 2024-05-02 16:49:58

Solar and hydro energy is the way to go. Sierra Leone hasn't got money to run oil powered power stations and rebuild its infrastructure at the same time. Ring-fence the revenue by edsa for electricity infrastructure development. Karpowership is a liability, let's think of developing real assets for the nation.
| 2024-05-02 13:46:12

some salone people den jes too wicked, rite now a lot of big institutions den dae under investigations for stealing lights n payment matters, even night clubs owners den sef bin always dae tiff govt lights and a lots of residential places den sef dae tiff light, we too hyprocrite na d country
| 2024-05-02 11:51:30

What a shame upon the bio led government, after all the criticism??
| 2024-05-02 10:31:20

Hmmm ooh Salon Na ya we da one day one day
| 2024-05-02 05:47:46

Did you really read what David said?No,please revisit it properly.Is Luke you are part of those that steal the light.
| 2024-05-01 19:39:28

Did you really read and digest what Dr.Sengeh wrote about the power shortage in the Country?Please revisit it properly and understand it by you open your mouth to off beat .
| 2024-05-01 19:07:36

Mr. Minister your government is a disgrace to Sierra Leone
| 2024-05-01 15:14:14

Hmm ohh salon
| 2024-05-01 12:28:35

Electricity theft should it b an excuse for not giving light out of 7 millions plus people how many are using electricity? What a shame upon all the endowment resources of this nation which by virtue of right every citizen must collect monthly stipends whether working or nor. But ar yah excuse dot com. Bo wuna komor b4 pepul Dem
| 2024-05-01 11:55:38

Wow