By Yusufu Sesay
The Executive Director, Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link (SLYDCL), Habib Kamara has formally registered complaint of poor management practices of Power Gen’s Management and Services in Daru Town and its immediate environs in Jawie Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
The letter dated 3rd January, 2025 was addressed to the Presidential Advisor for Sustainable Energy, Climate Change and Food Security, Office of the President, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella.
As an indigene of Jawie Chiefdom, a customer of Power Gen, and a civil society activist, he pointed out the ill behaviour and poor management practices of Power Gen, the service provider responsible for solar electrification in that region.
According to him, the solar company’s actions are hindering the goal of sustained rural electrification of President Julius Maada Bio’s government.
“Since Power Gen commenced operations, there have been numerous bottlenecks and challenges.
Daru, which has the largest consumer based among Power Gen’s operational areas nationwide, has experienced significant issues that I have observed firsthand as a concerned citizen. These issues are widespread across Power Gen’s operational areas throughout the country.
The key points of my complaint are as follows: Lack of Operational Office in Daru, Delayed Credit Access, Credit Breakdown and Unit Costs, Inconsistent Power Distribution, Lack of Public Relations and Absence of Technical Staff” he averred.
He said that Power Gen’s distribution of electricity to the township and its environs is erratic and done at the discretion of the company. At times, electricity is provided during the day, leaving the rest of the night without power, which poses a security threat. especially since Daru is a military base and customers business are at risk.
According to the SLYDCL Executive Director, “these issues are not limited to Daru but are prevalent across Power Gen’s operational areas nationwide.”
“This investment, with its current management behaviour, will hinder the country’s goal of achieving sustained rural electrification, which is a flagship programme and part of the President’s Big 5 Agenda.”
Mr. Kamara requested the swift intervention of the Presidential Advisor to investigate these matters and to ensure that Power Gen adheres to the principles of good governance, customer satisfaction, and community engagement.