Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, on December 4, 2024, at Newton officially launched a 52MW as part of government’s effort to transform Sierra Leone’s energy sector. The project is being implemented by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) with support from the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone.
The Regional Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE) will provide 40MW at Newton, 10MW at Lungi, and an additional 12MW at Newton. The initiative, expected to be completed within 12 months, underscores the government’s commitment to expanding energy access across the country.
In his address, Vice President Jalloh emphasized the critical role electricity plays in national development, describing the launch as a testament to President Bio’s vision for safer, more accessible, and affordable electricity for all Sierra Leoneans.
“This 52MW project demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing energy accessibility,” Dr. Jalloh said. “Electricity is a critical driver of social and economic growth, and this project is a step forward in achieving our national development objectives.”
He also highlighted recent development milestones under President Bio’s administration, including the establishment of an iron manufacturing factory in Songo, the Lumley bus park and market, and the youth empowerment initiatives involving tricycles and motorbikes. These efforts, he noted, align with the Big Five Agenda, which prioritizes improving livelihoods, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing revenue generation.
Dr. Jalloh extended gratitude to development partners for their steadfast support and commended stakeholders in the energy sector for their dedication to fulfilling the government’s energy commitments. However, he cautioned citizens against illegal electricity abstraction, urging cooperation to ensure the sustainability of such projects.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group and Energy Sector Lead, provided an overview of the government’s short, medium, and long-term plans for the energy sector. He emphasized that the RESPITE project forms part of these plans and is pivotal to meeting the country’s immediate and medium-term energy needs.
The Deputy Minister of Energy I, Dr. Eldred Taylor, expressed joy as a native of Newton, describing the project as a correction of the historical injustices faced by the Western Rural District. He revealed that over 40 communities in the district stand to benefit from the project, which he credited to former Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay’s pioneering efforts.
As Sierra Leone continues its transformation drive, the RESPITE project represents a beacon of progress in the nation’s energy sector, promising brighter days ahead for citizens and communities alike.