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With bipartisan support from the United States Congress, the Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have signed a $480 million Energy Compact for Sierra Leone in a groundbreaking ceremony today at the MCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The single-sector Energy Compact is poised to make transformational investments that will expand and strengthen the national transmission backbone, increase access to electricity in major towns, and improve the sector’s financial viability through governance reforms and institutional strengthening.
It builds on the successes of the 2016 MCC funded $44.4 million Threshold Program, which supported Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve water and electricity services.
This landmark signing with the MCC strengthens the partnership and economic cooperation between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United States. Following the signing, His Excellency Rt. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio reflected on the relationship between the United States and Sierra Leone and said “We are grateful for the long-term meaningful commitment of the American people to Sierra Leone’s progress.”
The MCC Compact reflects a shared commitment of the two countries to democracy and good governance to drive sustainable development and reduce poverty. The signing affirms President Bio and Sierra Leone’s unrelenting commitment to these values as demonstrated by the advancement of electoral reforms, the passing of landmark laws to empower and protect the rights of women and girls, and the implementation of the free quality school education program, among others.
This Energy Compact is expected to benefit over 4 million Sierra Leoneans and will create opportunities for economic development by increasing the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for households, businesses, and social institutions.
The Government of Sierra Leone will contribute $14.2 million towards the MCC Compact.
Delay is not denial. APC, you have succeeded in delaying the progress of the country and the lives of the people but you cannot deny them and longer. God will surely visit the enemies of our nation.
May it be ‘properly’ used for the intended purpose. I am happy the money is finally here.
So this MCC thing is to provide electricity for 4 million people only leaving the remaining 4.7 million in dark? Over reliance on America and the West always keep you in need at their door steps.
Why can’t we provide electricity for at least 7.5 million people instead of 4 million only? Will this solve the problem of rural -urban migration?
Will this be a decentralised process? Freetown alone consists of over 2 million people if you add the population of Bo and Kenema to that you get almost the 4 million people to benefit from the much talked about MCC compact.
This is to show our leaders that they have to think like their is no box, imagine with the lots of pressure mounted on our government yet still this money cannot solve our problem with electricity.
In my opinion, America and the west are the beneficiaries of this MCC thing.
Wonder’s shell never seize to amaze me. You guys always blame the APC, for your failure, why can’t you grow up and take responsibility.
May It be used honestly and wisely!!!
The ink has not even dried up and the naysayers and wet blankets have upped their games. Their small minds cannot see the positives this grant will bring to the country. The narrative last week was the USG will not deliver this grant. Now that the award has been made the narrative has suddenly changed. By next week we will be hearing different cooked up stories. Sierra Leoneans please love your country. This MCC award is going to benefit us all.