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Dr. Kanja Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, has implored the Bo Community to put an end to electricity theft and opt for lawful means to access electricity.
During the inauguration ceremony for the commencement of construction for a community health center in Kindia Town, Bo, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, Dr. Sesay addressed the pressing issue. He recounted the challenges faced upon assuming office in 2018, citing a scarcity of electricity, particularly during transitions in government.
Expressing his frustration, Dr. Sesay highlighted the prevalence of rampant electricity theft in Bo, Kenema, Kono, and other regions. He underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that such illicit actions not only undermine the integrity of the energy sector but also hinder efforts to enhance revenue generation for the ministry.
Dr. Sesay revealed that a recent visit by a delegation from the Electricity, Distribution, and Supply Authority (EDSA) uncovered instances of illegal electricity abstraction in various establishments, including a hotel in Bo. He emphasized that electricity is a valuable commodity that should be paid for, debunking any notion of it being freely available.
Addressing the media’s role, Dr. Sesay urged local journalists to utilize their platforms to advocate against electricity theft, stressing the importance of community engagement in curbing such malpractices. Additionally, he called upon civil society activists, the mayor of Bo City Council, and the chairman of the Bo District Council to mobilize their constituents to desist from engaging in illegal electricity connections.
In a stern warning, Dr. Kanja Sesay cautioned that severe legal repercussions await individuals found guilty of electricity theft, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards such offenses. He urged compliance with the law, declaring that this warning marks the final opportunity for offenders to rectify their actions.
