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On Monday 10th October 2022, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio commissioned the 24 hours Transco-CLSG (Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea) electricity to light up Kono.
It was a historic moment that attracted thousands of Kono indigenes who came out to show appreciation to the President.
Paramount Chiefs, Tribal heads, pupils, adults, and other onlookers were on the street to grace the auspicious occasion.
The President, accompanied by his wife, the First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was flanked by the Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay to switch on the light at the Bumpeh sub-station.
They then proceeded to the Koidu powerhouse to finally switch the light to reach homes across the Kono district.
“As I promised, I will correct the historic injustice against Kono. Kono has contributed to the growth of the nation’s economy but in contrast, the district falls short of basic amenities. My Government has implemented Free Quality Education; constructing a university; ultra-modern maternal hospital; the road leading to Guinea and now I am here to switch on the CLSG light for the people of Kono”, President Bio stated.
On the national drive to electrify the country, the President assured citizens that, in the next two years the energy generation in the country will be so much that villages and towns will be connected to the grid.
The President mentioned that the MCC Compact is in progress as the Sierra Leone Government is working in collaboration with the MCC to develop a compact that ensures greater focus on the energy sector.
The Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay disclosed that President Bio has provided 5000 meters free of charge for the people of Kono. This is to increase access to electricity for the people in the district. However, the Minister cautions the people that, the light is not free of charge and that they have to buy an EDSA top-up to enjoy the electricity.
“When we started fixing the poles, some people were doubting us, saying it’s a camouflage to the people. We were working hard and didn’t allow any distractions. Today we are switching on 24 hours electricity”, Minister Kanja said.
The Minister encouraged the Kono people to own the Project to avoid electricity theft and ensure they protect EDSA’s installations. He went further to inform the people to expect outages once in a while due to maintenance and possible faults from the supply line in Liberia.
Paramount Chiefs, Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Energy Hon. Vandy Kekura and a host of other stakeholders in the district outlined the importance of Kono having electricity and thanked President Bio for such a wonderful job done.
The program climaxed with different cultural performances and praises for the President.
