By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

As the energy sector is still facing serious challenges over the years, the Japanese government in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has signed an additional 20 million US dollars ‘grant’ project for the extension of power distribution network along the Freetown Peninsular in the country.

This landmark event took place on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at the Foreign Affairs ministry’s conference room, Tower Hill in Freetown.

Mr. Norihito Yonebayashi, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Sierra Leone, told journalists that the project aims to provide and constitute two substations at York and Tombo, approximately 5OKm off 33kv distribution line and 40km off 11kv distribution line, adding that more than 20 transformers and maintenance equipment areas will be available, especially from Goderich through Sussex to Tombo, and Kent residents would surely benefit hugely.

“Today, we have signed the agreement, but the original project agreement was concluded in 2022. Because of the economic situation in the world, the original budget became insufficient to secure the expected scope. There were two options to consider for the project to overcome those challenges. One was to reduce the scale of the project, and the other was to provide additional grants to meet the original plan. Despite the challenges, JICA is giving the Sierra Leone government the fullest support to implement the respective activities, including Feed Salone, health, infrastructural development, and human capital development. JICA hopes that social and public interest as well as the accountability for the Japanese people are uphold, “he added.

Mr. Yoshimoto, the Japanese ambassador to Sierra Leone and Ghana said the JICA additional grant agreement will salvage the electricity crisis in the country, especially for residents in York, Tombo, Sussex and the Peninsular as a whole.

“Energy is the backbone of nation-building. Developing countries like Sierra Leone must embrace the good offers of JICA. We sincerely appreciate all participants, particularly our long, valuable, and trustworthy partners, Ministry of Energy, EDSA, and EGTC for their dedicated contributions,” he said.

In his responses, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, said the hallmark event is expected to bring together more significant gesture in recognition of their contributions towards their ongoing developments since he assumed office, describing the JICA agreement as a milestone achievements of their administration.

He reaffirmed that the JICA money grant would be properly used and residents of those communities would benefit fully because electricity is key to human development.