By Ragan M. Conteh

An MP from Bo District, Hon Kekura Vandy, has informed government is making headway in power supply amid low water levels at the Bumbuna dam.

He made the disclosure during the debate on the approval of the Presidential nominees in the chambers of Parliament.

“The water levels at Bumbuna is discouraging,” he said.

He informed that the hydro was supplying 50 megawatts often in the periods of the rains but currently the Bumbuna Hydro dam is only supplying 6.5 megawatts, mainly due low rainfall recorded now in the rainy season.

The months of May, June have not brought out plenty rains as expected. The dry spells are as a result of world’s climate changes. Most countries in the world like USA and countries in Europe and Asia are suffering from heat waves due to the hot burning sun.

Sierra Leone has also been experiencing similar changes in weather patterns.

He said water level is currently 210.85 meters which supposed to have climbed a little over 500 meters.

He said the dam is stagnating and he urged authorities to look into another options especially with the Bumbuna phase II project to be fast-tracked.

Hon. Kekura Vandy also confirmed that “Government is selling less energy than it buys it, energy liability is everywhere.”

The MP stated that the energy generation is capital intensive.

In his submissions, Kambia District’s Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, said the government has spent six years without commencing the construction of the Bumbuna Hydro dam.

He said most people had asked about the slow pace incompletion of the dam.

He said the government had been paying its attention on the Karpowership than getting to finish the Bumbuna Hydro phase II.

Hon Kamara, therefore, urged the new deputy energy minister to work towards addressing electricity thefts and  provide electricity for the people.

Hon Kamara asked about the kind of meters the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are using, adding the  new minister should pay key attention to sector.

Hon Mohamed Conteh from Falaba District, said “when it comes to electricity his district is nothing to write home about.”

He pleaded with EDSA to provide electricity at the district’s headquarters town.

He spoke on the high cost of the mini- grid in Falaba District which, he said, is heart-rending.

Other MPs said there is no reason for government to put more money on EDSA.

Hon Hindolo Ngevao said the energy sector used to be the life blood of Sierra Leone, adding that the energy empowerment is one of the flagship projects of President Julius Maada Bio.

He said Bio’s expressed manifesto was to ensure that almost all district headquarters towns should enjoy a 24 hour electricity supply.