THE BUMBUNA COMMISSIONING AND STORY

Return to Bumbuna List Menu

MINISTER’S FORWARD


PROF. OGUNLADE R. DAVIDSON
MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER

It is virtually very difficult for any nation to survive in the new globalization concept of development without properly putting in place water and energy supply system, and the prevention of the negative effects of radiation on the people; because they form the lifeline for existence. Cognizant of this fact, the Ministry of Energy & Water Resources has the sole responsibility to supervise and manage energy, water resources and radiation protection system in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The absence of these facilities will not only make life uncomfortable, but will stagnate all development efforts and projects channeled by both national and international development partners in the country.

It is no secret that this nation had lived in perpetual blackout for decades with only private generators/ machines used for power supplies and this was not cost effective on both government and private endeavours. However, since the inception of the All People Congress (APC) led government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma it has been explicitly clear that he is bent on providing the people of this Nation with reliable electricity and water, and set a system that will address radioactive diseases during his tenure of office. For this reason, the President had unquestionably placed his attention on the Ministry of Energy & Water Resources to achieve this objective.

Today, the 6th November 2009, marks the Official Commissioning Ceremony by H.E. Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. This is my first major achievement as Minister of Energy and Water Resources. My vision is to provide electricity for all Sierra Leonean populations irrespective of one’s political, social and economic status.

This achievement will increase power supply system and a signal in the development of the National Grid. Can you imagine what Freetown and the places like Waterloo, Lunsar, Makeni, Magburaka and Bumbuna Townships will look like with the completion of the Bumbuna Power Plant?

Of course, it is reasonable to think that the electricity supply will be a 24 hour thing but this will not be in all places or households at a go because the electricity supply would be lower than the demands. Besides, the NPA transmission line network is old and weak, and cannot fully take the power supply coming from Bumbuna except it is properly strengthened. However, full electricity supply will likely normalize by December 2009.

I will on this not want to inform the public that Sierra Leone is ripe for public-private partnership and investors are now welcome. I will also admonish fellow Sierra Leoneans to use electricity for domestic and production wisely. I am therefore calling on all Sierra Leoneans to assist the Government to provide security for the Bumbuna Dam. Adequate and suitable security systems should be put in place to protect Bumbuna Dam and other electricity installation areas. Now that the Bumbuna Project Phase One is completed the Bumbuna Project Phase Two will start immediately.

In conclusion, I will like to acknowledge the contributions of all stakeholders, national and international, including critics, for their untiring zests, without which maybe, the President and his Team would not have speedily reached a decisive conclusion on the Bumbuna Project as today, 6th November 2009. This Ministry looks forward to similar efforts in the Bumbuna Phase II and the rural electrification programmes.

In conclusion, I will like to acknowledge the contributions of all stakeholders, national and international, including critics, for their untiring zests, without which maybe, the President and his Team would not have speedily reached a decisive conclusion on the Bumbuna Project as today, 6th November 2009. This Ministry looks forward to similar efforts in the Bumbuna Phase II and the rural electrification programmes.

 

Top

Home

Previous

Next

Return to Bumbuna List Menu