By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh recently raised concerns regarding the delayed completion of critical electrification projects, which have yet to fully benefit several communities across Sierra Leone. The Committee, during its sitting, discussed the status of several electrification initiatives, including the seven towns electrification project commissioned in June 2023, as well as ongoing efforts in towns like Kailahun, Moyamba, Pujehun, Bonthe, Kambia, Port Loko and Kabala.
The committee underscored the detrimental effects of delayed project completion on the livelihoods of citizens in these areas. The failure to complete the full scope of these projects has left many communities without stable electricity, despite significant investments made by the government. These delays were particularly troubling as they had exposed vital infrastructure, such as transformers and other electrical equipment, to risks of theft and damage.
One of the key issues highlighted was the absence of operational and maintenance (O&M) personnel in some of the projects. Without the necessary O&M staff in place, the electrification projects cannot be properly maintained, leading to the deterioration of equipment and hampering the ability of these areas to receive consistent power supply. PAC members warned that without verifying the completion of these projects and ensuring O&M personnel were in place, the Ministry of Finance could not release any further payments until all requirements are met.
The discussion also focused on the uncompleted projects in Kambia, Kabala, and Moyamba, which are still under construction despite being initially expected to be completed earlier. These projects, estimated to cost over $12 million are critical to the national electrification agenda but remain unfinished, leaving many citizens without reliable access to electricity. The committee strongly recommended that the Permanent Secretary and project managers engage more thoroughly to ensure that the remaining projects are completed, and that power is distributed to the communities promptly.
Hon. Tawa also discussed plans to introduce a Public Accounts Committee dashboard by April, which would allow members of the public to track the progress of pending audit issues in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This would provide a platform for transparency and ensure that stakeholders can monitor how government funds are being spent and whether projects are meeting their milestones.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the call for increased investment in the energy sector. The Chairman of the PAC emphasized the importance of electricity in driving national development. He suggested that, if given the opportunity to distribute Sierra Leone’s budget over the next two years, 40% of the allocation would go to the energy sector. The rationale behind this was clear: reliable electricity would not only improve livelihoods but also facilitate other sectors such as education, transportation, and agriculture.
Despite these challenges, some positive developments were noted. Four of the seven towns targeted by the electrification project were fully commissioned and operational by the end of 2023. These towns include Kayla, Moyamba, Pujehun, and Bond — are now receiving power, though some areas continue to struggle with inadequate generation capacity. The government is working on securing additional funds and alternative solutions to ensure power generation remains consistent.
PAC members reiterated that, while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Ensuring the timely completion of these energy projects, as well as the proper maintenance of infrastructure, is vital for boosting energy access across Sierra Leone. As part of this ongoing oversight process, the PAC vowed to continue its efforts to hold all relevant parties accountable and to ensure that projects are completed as scheduled.
