Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone has secured 20 million dollars in funding from Japan to help improve the electricity network along the Freetown Peninsula, led by efforts from Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella.
The support comes through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and is part of a wider plan to deliver better power to communities.
The funding will be used to build 50 kilometers of 33kV lines, 40 kilometers of 66kV lines, and two new substations one in York and another in Tombo. These additions are expected to make the grid stronger, reduce blackouts, and get the system ready for more growth in the future.
Dr. Yumkella, who shared the update, said energy is at the center of the country’s progress. The project is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s green energy agenda, which aims to bring clean and steady electricity to more people across Sierra Leone.
During talks with partners, Dr. Yumkella also called for more support for the Northern Corridor transmission project, which will connect more towns and villages that still don’t have reliable power.
While this new funding brings hope, there are still problems to fix. Electricity theft and unpaid bills remain a big challenge. Deputy Minister I, Ing. Edmond Nonie, said new reforms are in progress. These include the rollout of smart meters to improve how power is delivered and paid for.
Dr. Yumkella said the government is working closely with international partners to bring reliable electricity and better living conditions to all parts of Sierra Leone.
“This is for us, by us,” he said, calling on everyone to stay involved as the country moves toward a brighter future.
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