On June 20 last year, just four days before the general elections, the residents of Pujehun Township were filled with joy as a long-promised generator was switched on, illuminating the town for the first time in decades. This event was part of President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction government’s manifesto promise.
The
landmark event was attended by notable figures, including the then Energy
Minister, local government officials, Members of Parliament, and district
stakeholders, all celebrating the anticipated new era of consistent and
sustainable electricity for Pujehun.
Back
on December 31st, 2020, Sierra Leone’s former Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja
Sesay, had officially signed contracts for electrifying Pujehun Township along
with six other district headquarters. During the signing ceremony, Sesay
emphasized Pujehun’s importance to the New Direction administration and its
need for sustainable electricity. The project aimed to establish the necessary
infrastructure for electricity supply in Pujehun and neighboring towns such as
Gobaru, Yoni, and Massam Kpaka.
Dr.
Francis Kaikai, the former Minister of Planning and Economic Development and a
native of Pujehun, hailed this initiative as a significant development
milestone for the district. Additionally, the then Paramount Chief Member of
Parliament for Pujehun District, Madam Matilda Yayui Minah, called for unity
and highlighted the potential economic and social benefits of the
electrification project.
Despite
the initial excitement and promises, the generator intended to provide 24-hour
electricity, supported by a solar hybrid system, failed after a few hours,
plunging the town back into darkness. Since then, residents have faced repeated
disappointments, waiting in vain for a resolution. Many have reverted to using
Tiger Generators, Chinese lights, candles, or locally made lanterns.
Although
Pujehun District fully supported the ruling government in the elections,
securing all parliamentary and local council seats, the township remains
without reliable electricity. Reports indicate that the low number of connected
customers in Pujehun makes it challenging to generate funds for fuel. The
government-provided 250 meters were distributed mainly to affluent residents,
excluding average citizens who cannot afford the meters. Suggestions have been
made for district philanthropists, particularly government appointees, to
provide meters for average residents to increase the customer base.
Recently,
Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh, also from Pujehun, conducted a WhatsApp
poll regarding the preferred time intervals for generating electricity within
an 8 to 10-hour daily period. Despite participation, no positive updates have
emerged, and the township remains in darkness.
On
April 20, 2020, President Bio’s government disbursed Le66.4 billion Leones to
contractors for electrification projects in seven districts, including Pujehun.
This advance payment represented 30% of the contract prices for the
transmission and distribution networks. The breakdown of the 30% advance
payment by district is as follows:
- Kambia – Le7,096,260,616
- Kailahun – Le14,848,109,365
- Kabala – Le7,578,269,676
- Moyamba – Le8,956,293,430
- Mattru – Le11,775,016,854
- Bonthe Island – Le8,910,525,228
- Pujehun – Le7,231,007,715
Despite
these efforts, the residents of Pujehun are still without the promised reliable
electricity. The local community's frustration continues to grow as they see no
tangible progress towards a sustainable solution. The initial celebration has
turned into disillusionment as they question where the promised electricity is
and when they will finally see consistent power supply.
The
Ministry of Information and Civic Education has committed to providing timely
updates, but the people of Pujehun remain skeptical, having endured prolonged
periods of unmet promises. They continue to ask: where is the electricity they
were promised?