Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has warned against the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, saying the practices are undermining government efforts to provide reliable and sustainable power across the country.
Speaking at a presidential town hall meeting in Makeni, Bio urged citizens to protect public electricity infrastructure and refrain from damaging or stealing electrical equipment.
He said vandalism of power installations and the theft of electrical materials continue to disrupt electricity supply in Makeni and other parts of Sierra Leone.
Bio also criticised illegal electricity connections and non-payment of electricity bills, saying both practices threaten the financial sustainability of the country’s power sector.
“Electricity cannot be sustained if people continue to consume power without paying for it,” Bio said, adding that illegal connections and meter bypasses deprive the sector of revenue needed for maintenance, expansion and improved service delivery.
The president said between 60% and 70% of electricity consumed in Makeni is not paid for, placing significant financial pressure on the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and affecting its ability to provide consistent service.
“Electricity cannot be sustained if people continue to consume power without paying for it,” the President emphasized, warning that illegal connections and meter bypasses deprive the sector of much-needed revenue required for maintenance, expansion, and improved service delivery.
Despite the challenges, Bio said the government remains committed to expanding electricity generation and strengthening the country’s power infrastructure.
He said plans are underway to expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project to increase electricity generation from its current capacity of about 50 megawatts to help meet rising demand.
Bio also highlighted several ongoing energy projects, including the recently commissioned 40-megawatt Newton Solar Power Plant, which he said began operations two weeks ago.
He added that the 108-megawatt Nant Power Plant, currently under construction, is expected to be connected to the national grid once completed, while a 10-megawatt solar power plant in Lungi is nearing completion and is expected to improve electricity supply in northern Sierra Leone.
Bio said the investments reflect the government’s commitment to providing stable, affordable and sustainable electricity nationwide but stressed that their success will also depend on public cooperation in protecting electricity infrastructure and paying electricity bills on time.
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