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Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella has criticized the country’s Bumbuna Hydropower Project describing it as a symbol of mismanagement, flawed agreements, and lost opportunities.
Bumbuna II Hydroelectric Power Station is a planned 143 megawatts (192,000 hp) hydroelectric power station in Sierra Leone. The power station which cost US$327 million to build, was commissioned in 2009. However, its output is not enough to meet the country’s electricity needs.
Assessing the project at a recent Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference, Yumkella lamented how the project has stalled since it was initiated over 12 years ago, highlighting issues of shifting ownership and lack of progress.
He stated that the project’s assets have been “held hostage for over a decade.” He also criticized developers for demanding $90 million in compensation despite a lack of progress on construction and delivery.
Yumkella further stated that completing Bumbuna 2 is projected to cost $1.1 billion for 150 megawatts of electricity, while alternative solutions could provide the same output for under $300 million. He urged the government to oppose “bad deals” and applauded the decision to pursue arbitration.
Yumkella proposed upgrading the existing Bumbuna 1 facility for more sustainable and cost-effective energy production. He also emphasized the need for increased oversight and public engagement to prevent future mismanagement.
Good Bless you my favorite politician.
You are matured and intelligent than many politicians.
If SLPP nor give you the flag-bearer, we nor go vote for them.
One honest politician. I believe the project was a money making thing. We live in nation where people elected to serve the people only care about themselves.