By State House Communication Unit
After 30 years without electricity, President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, on Sunday June 19, 2016, has commissioned the Electrification of Magburaka and it’s Environs Phase 1 Project. This latest development marks another significant milestone in government’s programme of improving access to electricity across the country.
Addressing a mammoth gathering, the president stated that Tonkolili district is special not only to him, but the entire country, and thanked the people of Magburaka for the patience and understanding they have shown over the years. The electrification of the township, he said, was just the first phase and that the second phase will take electricity from Magburaka to Matotoka and other unserved surrounding towns and villages. He emphasized that all of these developments are being done because of government’s commitment articulated in the five thematic areas of agriculture, health, education energy and the economy, which he said, are pivotal in laying the basis for sustainable economic development.
He pointed out that he will not be distracted from delivering for the people of Sierra Leone in transforming the country. The president added that the restructuring of the energy sector was crucial in providing the needed services with the involvement of the private sector. With this, President Koroma expressed optimism that within the next five years electricity will be in every corner of the country.
The Chief Executive also registered government’s commitment to Sustainable Energy 4all by 2030 and encouraged all to stay the course. He also commended productive locals for doing the things that will transform their communities and the nation as a whole.
“Sierra Leone is on the path of moving forward” he stated. President Koroma assured that the country will come out of the current economic difficulties and will bounce back given the resilience Sierra Leone has shown during difficult moments of its history.
Minister of Energy Henry Macauley said he was heartened by this project and stated that nothing takes place without the provision of energy. He said the spirit of team work has significantly helped to deliver on the assignments given to them by the president. Engineer Macauley assured that the confidence reposed in his team to provide access to electricity in every part of the country, is well placed and that they were committed to deliver on the task.
The Paramount Chief of Kholifa Rowala chiefdom PC Nasa Kama Kanamanka The 3rd, highlighted the development strides of the government in the district. He noted that the president has delivered on his promises in providing electricity to the town after Magburaka has gone without power supply for the past thirty years. He expressed thanks and appreciation to government for this and other laudable developments like tarred roads, pipe borne water supply, and a properly functioning referral hospital in the district.
The Member of Parliament for constituency 59 covering Magburaka, Hon. Hassan Priest Sesay said President Koroma is taking development to every corner of the country, saying that Sierra Leone is witnessing marked transformation under his leadership. Hon. Sesay therefore encouraged the people to protect the facility.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Energy Hon. Sulaiman Sesay described the ceremony as a big day for the people of Magburaka and its environs. He reminded all that the president prioritised energy in his administration after assuming governance in 2007. He underscored the significance of energy in propelling development in any country adding that electricity will bring economic turn around in the town. Hon. Sulaiman Sesay further noted the importance of the unbundling process of the energy sector and also urged the locals to safeguard the facility.
President Koroma will this morning launch the second phase of the National Recovery Priorities in Magburaka.
Stay tuned for more on this and the activities of His Excellency President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma.
