President Koroma tours Bumbuna following shutdown for repairs
President Ernest Bai Koroma as a panacea for sustainable socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. When he assumed office in 2007, he promised to restore electricity to Freetown, once shamefully dubbed the darkest Capital City in the world throughout the SLPP’s eleven years in power. (Photo: President Koroma inspecting Bumbuna)
As is usually the case, President Koroma promised to deliver electricity in Freetown in 100 days and he did in record time.
Bumbuna Dam water mark
Since then electricity supply to Freetown and the provinces improved remarkably as opposed to what used to prevail before. For the first time in many years electricity has returned to Makeni now a bourgeoning northern city.
Many efforts have being exacted by this very responsible and transformative leadership of President Koroma to get electricity in the homes, businesses and offices of the populace. Among them are the following:
- The commissioning of the Bankasoka Mini Hydro in Port Loko funded by the Chinese.
- The commissioning of the Charlotte Mini Hydro in the Mountain District of Freetown, Regent.
- The ongoing feasibility work on the Moyamba Mini Hydro project to kick off soon with technical assistance from UNIDO.
- Commissioning of the Bumbuna Hydro Project after 30years since it was initiated.
- The rehabilitation, deployment and installation of Thermal Plants in Freetown, Makeni, Bo, Kono (pending) etc.
- The introduction of solar energy through the Barefoot Solar Women Engineers with assistance from India.
Despite these genuine and tireless efforts by President Koroma to electrify the whole country, there remain challenges in the provision of electricity all cross Sierra Leone, although again Freetown remains the priority area.
It is for this reason that plans for the commencement of Bumbuna phase two have already been kick started.
President Koroma touring Bumbuna Dam
As a result, President Ernest Bai Koroma being a hands-on leader has today done a conducted tour of the Bumbuna Dam to get first hand information on the operations, status and ongoing repair work being done on the dam to enhance maximum output.
Bumbuna during the dry season
“Minimum water level is 210 meters above river bed level and would generate up to 20 mega watts… the project has even recruited 10 more Sierra Leoneans who are currently undergoing training at the Bumbuna Training Centre”, said Dr Abdul Rahim Jalloh, the Director Project Implementation Unit.
From the look of things the water level has gone down drastically and this is what had been hampering the frequent supply of electricity to Freetown quite recently.
By Jarrah Kawusu-Konte
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
