By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Monday February 10, 2025 – Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group and Energy Sector Lead, recently conducted an inspection tour of the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power stations. This visit aimed to assess the conditions of the thermal plants, which are undergoing major government-funded repairs, and to hear directly from site engineers.
During the inspection, Dr. Yumkella expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing actions and reform policies transforming the energy sector. He announced that funding for the repairs of the thermal machines had been approved by President Julius Maada Bio, and that the Ministry of Finance was acting on the president’s instructions.
“With genuine commitment to realizing the vision of His Excellency, repairs of the thermal plants at the two facilities will be completed in July 2025. Together, they will eventually contribute 26MW to Freetown’s energy supply,” said Dr. Yumkella, highlighting the effort’s importance in reducing reliance on the Karpowership.
He extended his gratitude to President Bio and other stakeholders in the energy sector for convening the Energy Sector Retreat in December of last year. He urged the site engineers to remain dedicated and professional in their duties.
Dr. Yumkella was accompanied by Deputy Minister II Edmond Nonie and representatives from EGTC, EDSA, and PI-CREF, among other dignitaries and energy sector stakeholders.
With the energy sector reforms closely linked to the Feed Salone agenda, efforts to improve the sector continue to gain momentum.