Fatima Kpaka
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy has engaged the Ministry of Energy in an intensive session to examine the partial concession plans for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). Discussions focused on transparency, efficiency, and the potential impact on the public.
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Charles Abdulai, clarified the distinction between privatization and concession, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public interest. “We are not privatizing EDSA. We are allowing private sector participation to handle specific operational areas—mainly commercial and technical—to improve efficiency and reduce the government’s subsidy burden,” he stated.
Committee members expressed concerns about the potential impact on tariffs and the general public, referencing past privatization efforts that failed to deliver positive outcomes. “We represent the people. We must ensure that this process will not place additional burdens on already struggling consumers,” a member remarked.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Ing. Edmond Nonie, assured the committee that the government would retain full ownership of EDSA while concessionaires operate in defined areas under strict regulation. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) will oversee tariff structures and service delivery to prevent exploitation by private actors.
The session also addressed the alarming rate of vandalism of electricity infrastructure, particularly in districts like Kabala and Kenema. Committee members called for urgent accountability of contractors responsible for faulty installations and proposed stronger legal frameworks, including the establishment of special energy courts to expedite prosecution of offenders.
Hon. Abdulai urged the Ministry and EDSA to intensify public education and community engagement efforts. “Popularization is key. People must understand that public electricity infrastructure belongs to them. Without this sense of ownership, vandalism will continue,” he added.
The committee requested a detailed breakdown of the concession framework, including proposed revenue-sharing models, legal safeguards, and accountability measures. A follow-up session has been scheduled to review draft agreements before final approvals.
With the June 2025 deadline for the concession process approaching, Parliament remains committed to ensuring the initiative aligns with national development goals and prioritizes the welfare of Sierra Leone’s citizens.