During the parliamentary debate on the ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement between Sierra Leone and the United States, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, leveled serious accusations against contract staff at the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

Speaking on October 15, 2024, Hon. Conteh claimed that some of the contracted employees of EGTC may be involved in acts of sabotage, including vandalizing transformers and engaging in electricity theft when dissatisfied with their employment conditions.

The Deputy Speaker expressed concern over the fact that 70% of EGTC’s workforce is on contract, suggesting that the instability of their job status could be driving some employees to resort to criminal activities out of frustration. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to address this issue, which he described as a key factor contributing to the ongoing challenges in the energy sector.

discussions about the MCC agreement, which aims to bolster Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure, among other areas. However, he pointed out that the agreement made no mention of Bumbuna, a critical energy project for the country. He urged the Minister of Energy to clarify how the MCC agreement would address the significant liabilities facing both EGTC and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).

Fellow parliamentarian Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of Kambia District echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the neglect of Bumbuna Phase Two, which he described as a missed opportunity for affordable energy generation. He argued that while the government has invested heavily in energy transmission and distribution, the core problem of inadequate energy generation remains unresolved.

Both MPs called for urgent reforms in the energy sector to prevent further sabotage and inefficiencies. They also urged the government to ensure the successful implementation of the MCC agreement to address Sierra Leone’s energy and governance challenges.