The Ministry of Energy (MOE) held a significant meeting today at the Civic Education and Training Centre Conference Room to review progress on its ongoing projects and address critical challenges. Mr. Chernor I. Mansaray, Director of Performance Management at the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), chaired the meeting.

Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Emmanuel Junisa updated several critical initiatives, including the Rural Renewable Energy Project, the Transformational Energy Access Project, and the Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Bo-Kenema Distribution Network. Mr. Junisa reported that while many projects have been completed, some are still in progress.

Critical challenges highlighted during the meeting included delays in fund disbursement, poor road networks, infrastructure damage, electricity theft, high energy costs from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and staffing shortages.

Mr. Mansaray of HRMO recommended installing solar panels in rural facilities as a cost-effective altern
ative to fuel-powered generators. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the selection criteria for rural project sites and the creation of new positions within the Ministry to support its expanding operations.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the meeting concluded with an acknowledgement of the Ministry’s efforts to improve energy access across Sierra Leone.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency