Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has announced plans to set up a special court that will handle cases related to electricity theft, meter bypassing, and damage to power infrastructure.
This decision was made during a meeting held at the Chief Justice’s Chambers with key players in the energy sector, including the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Honourable Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella.
Dr. Yumkella explained that the electricity sector is facing serious challenges, including illegal connections, theft, and the destruction of vital equipment like transformers. He said EDSA loses between 55% to 72% of its expected income due to these problems. While the authority should be collecting Le 8.5 million each month, it is only receiving about Le 5.5 million.
He also shared that the country’s total power supply is just 150 megawatts for a population of 8 million people. EDSA currently has an outstanding debt of \$24 million, a problem linked in part to widespread vandalism. These losses are making it harder to attract private investment, even though the government is pushing forward with plans to privatize the electricity sector by December 2025.
Dr. Yumkella said the creation of a special court will help stop these crimes faster and support the energy reforms being led by His Excellency the President, who is now also serving as Acting Minister of Energy.
In response, Chief Justice Kamanda said the Judiciary will set up a fast-track court with trained judges and prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Office. He also called for stronger investigations and proper collaboration between the police and state prosecutors.
“The Law Officers’ Department must be involved fully,” the Chief Justice said, adding that training will be given to judges and magistrates before the court begins work.
He said electricity is a national concern and promised the Judiciary’s full support to help protect the sector.
Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi asked for a list of all pending electricity-related cases to help keep track of them and monitor progress as the new court takes shape.
EDSA, for its part, has promised to improve its systems and ensure better accountability going forward.
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