Kandeh Yumkella And Alpha Khan Inspect Key Energy Projects in Port Loko District

The Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, alongside the Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Khan, in an effort to enhance energy access nationwide, conducted an inspection of key energy projects in Port Loko District

The visit was reportedly aimed to assess the progress of several energy facilities designed to enhance the region’s electricity supply.

Dr. Yumkella inspected the 10MW RESPITE Project site in Lungi, commending the contractors for their encouraging progress. He recalled that the Honourable Vice President had previously officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a larger 40MW electricity project, which he said includes the Lungi site contributing to 10MW of that total capacity.

“Energy transformation does not take place overnight. It takes time. We designed this RESPITE project some two years ago, and now we are at the implementation stage,” Dr. Yumkella stated. He confidently assured citizens that Freetown would alleviate its electricity challenges by the following year.

The delegation also visited the Planet Solar site located just outside Port Loko City, where Dr. Yumkella highlighted the importance of the 3MW solar project. He emphasized that their presence was to assess the current status of the project and reinforce the government’s commitment to supporting contractors in enhancing a conducive environment for project execution.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella elaborated on the social and economic benefits tied to the solar initiative, particularly its potential impact on healthcare, business operations, and education services.

At the Bankasoka Dam, Dr. Yumkella reflected on his contributions to the project’s development. He recalled engaging in discussions with the Paramount Chief of Maforki Chiefdom and Alhaji Dr. Khan regarding the dam’s establishment, asserting that during his visit, he sought to understand the challenges faced by the dam, especially during the dry season.

Dr. Yumkella expressed concern over environmental issues caused by climate change and human activities, which have negatively affected water levels at the dam.

The Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Dr. Alpha Khan, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s administration for prioritizing Port Loko as a district for social and economic development projects.

He underscored the anticipated effects of the electricity initiatives on education, healthcare, and the livelihoods of the local residents. Dr. Khan urged his fellow citizens to support and safeguard those projects for the greater good of their community.