The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Emmanuel Junisa, has on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, commissioned the rural mini grid that would provide reliable and affordable electricity for Mendekema and Nyandehun towns in Kailahun district.
Chairman for the occasion, Mustapha Sannoh, welcomed the dignitaries and apologized to the people for the absence of the Minister.
He said the project had been completed a long time ago but that the delay in the commissioning of the mini grid was necessitated by a variety of issues which needed to be addressed.
While commissioning the mini grid on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Emmanuel Junisa, conveyed the greetings of Alhaji Kanja Sesay to the people, adding that the two towns had always been on the mind of the Minister.
He said President Julius Maada Bio had during the campaigns for the 2018 polls promised the people of Kailahun district sustainable electricity,noting that the occasion was indicative of the genuine efforts made to fulfill that promise.
Mr. Junisa said Kailahun district would continue to benefit from development projects under the New Direction administration,adding that thirteen towns in the district, including Bunumbu, Manowa, Jojoima, Dia, Pedembu, Daru, Bandajuma among others were now connected to the rural mini grid.
A representative of PowerGen spoke about the Public Private Partnership between the Ministry of Energy and his company, assured the people of constant electricity and asked them to own the facilities. He also spoke about the many social and economic benefits that the project would unleash on the two towns.
The former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Morie Momoh, also made a brief statement at the ceremony.