By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Minister of Energy, Hon. Cyril A. Grant, on Thursday officially launched the groundbreaking ceremony for the Waterloo Innovent Power Park Project in Waterloo, marking the commencement of a major energy initiative expected to strengthen electricity supply and support agricultural transformation in the Western Area.
The event attracted government officials, project developers, traditional leaders, local authorities, and members of the host community, all of whom gathered to witness the start of the ambitious power infrastructure project.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Grant commended His Excellency President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio for his continued commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s energy sector and prioritising national development through improved electricity access.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, we have made energy a national priority. His commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply is what makes projects like the Waterloo Innovent Power Park possible,” Minister Grant stated.
He also praised the contractors and technical partners for their expertise and dedication to delivering the project on schedule, while expressing appreciation to the Waterloo community for its cooperation and willingness to make land available for the development.
Minister Grant noted that the project directly complements the Government’s Feed Salone Agenda, which focuses on boosting food production, agro-processing, and improving rural livelihoods across the country.
“Reliable electricity is not an end in itself. It is the foundation for irrigation, cold storage, processing, and value addition in agriculture. With stable power, our farmers and agribusinesses can move from subsistence to commercial production,” he said.
According to project officials, the Waterloo Innovent Power Park is expected to increase electricity generation capacity in the Western Area, reduce dependence on emergency power solutions, and improve grid stability for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Local authorities welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will create employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases while improving access to electricity for surrounding communities.
Representatives of the project developers also outlined the project timeline, environmental protection measures, and community engagement strategies, assuring residents that local labour and suppliers would be prioritised where possible.
In concluding his remarks, Minister Grant called on all stakeholders to remain committed to the successful implementation of the project.
“This groundbreaking is a promise. We must now work together to deliver the power that Sierra Leone needs to grow, to feed itself, and to attract investment,” he emphasised.
The Waterloo Innovent Power Park Project is expected to play a significant role in Sierra Leone’s long-term energy expansion strategy and broader efforts to promote economic growth and sustainable development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 25th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
