Chairman of Presidential Initiative on Climate Change Assesses Bumbuna Hydro Dam Amid Energy Crisis

On May 11th, 2024, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, embarked on a visit to the Bumbuna Hydro Dam.

This initiative comes amidst Sierra Leone’s pressing energy crisis, with the aim of understanding the current situation firsthand and devising comprehensive solutions. Dr. Yumkella emphasized President Bio’s unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to the people of Sierra Leone. In his statement, he revealed ongoing efforts to develop an energy transition plan, projecting beyond the next decade.

Highlighting the recurrent nature of energy crises every decade, Dr. Yumkella underscored the necessity for sustainable development. He referenced historical instances of energy shortages under previous administrations, including emergency measures such as the deployment of the Karpower ship during President Koroma’s tenure. The government, under President Bio, is diligently formulating an energy transition plan, addressing immediate, medium, and long-term solutions to the crisis.

During his visit, Dr. Yumkella outlined plans to enhance transmission infrastructure, including investing in 225 transmission lines to augment power distribution. Additionally, he revealed insights into the Bumbuna Hydro Dam’s current capacity and future expansion prospects. Notably, there are proposals to construct two additional turbines, effectively doubling the dam’s energy generation capacity.

Furthermore, Dr. Yumkella highlighted the potential for revenue generation through partnerships with mining companies, facilitating electricity supply from the Bumbuna Hydro Dam. This collaboration not only promises financial benefits but also contributes to enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure.

Expressing concern over acts of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, Dr. Yumkella cautioned citizens against damaging transformers and other equipment, as such actions impede government efforts to resolve the energy crisis.

Supporting Dr. Yumkella’s insights, Dr. Edmond Dankona Wuseni, Resident Consultant for the Bumbuna Project, elaborated on the dam’s design capacity and proposed expansions. He confirmed mining companies’ requests for electricity supply, affirming their commitment to high tariff payments.

Engineer Ansu Jah, with 17 years of experience at the Bumbuna Hydro Dam, provided reassurance regarding an upcoming routine maintenance shutdown. Acknowledging concerns amid the energy crisis, he clarified that the maintenance period, reduced to 10 days from the usual 14, would not disrupt energy supply to Freetown. Alternate sources such as the CLSG and Karpower ship would ensure continuous electricity during this period.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2024-05-13 07:32:02

Let every Mining Company, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, build a 33MW Solar Electricity infrastructure in the district they operate. They can then have as much energy as they want, the surplus goes into the grid. Mining Companies pay peanuts as royalties for the minerals. Salone, wake up. It's too late to renegotiate the old contracts, but find ways to enhance your return from the resources. Otherwise you will forever be dependent on loans and grants like the MCC. My cynicism says that there'll be limited opportunities for some corrupt elements.
F.M Kebe | 2024-05-12 22:45:32

It's sad that successive government had always failed in addressing this Bumbuna project. We pray for a lasting solution "MAKE DIS NOR BE EMPTY TOK OOO".