Sierra Leone's Bio Calls for End to Power Theft as Grid Expands

President Julius Maada Bio has said Sierra Leone's plan to improve electricity supply will only succeed if citizens stop stealing electricity, protect power facilities and pay their electricity bills.

The president gave the warning during a presidential town hall meeting in Makeni. He said power theft, illegal electricity connections, meter bypass and vandalism of electricity infrastructure are making it difficult for the government to provide reliable electricity. He urged residents to help protect public facilities so electricity projects can deliver the expected benefits.

Electricity supply has been a major issue in Sierra Leone for years. Several communities have faced unstable power due to limited generation capacity, damage to electricity facilities and financial challenges affecting the country's electricity sector. The government has continued to invest in projects aimed at increasing electricity generation and improving distribution.

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) is responsible for distributing electricity in Sierra Leone. The agency depends on revenue from electricity bills to maintain equipment, repair damaged facilities and expand services. Illegal connections and unpaid bills reduce the funds available for these activities.

The government has also invested in renewable energy and other power projects to improve electricity supply. Officials say these projects are expected to increase electricity generation and support economic activities. However, the success of such investments also depends on the protection of electricity infrastructure and regular payment for electricity consumed.

Power theft weakens electricity sector

Bio said vandalism of electricity installations and the theft of electrical materials continue to interrupt electricity supply in Makeni and other parts of the country.

He said illegal electricity connections and the refusal to pay electricity bills are putting pressure on the power sector.

"Electricity cannot be sustained if people continue to consume power without paying for it," Bio said.

The president explained that illegal connections and meter bypass deprive the electricity sector of revenue needed for maintenance, expansion and better service delivery.

He said between 60 and 70 per cent of electricity used in Makeni is not paid for. This, he said, places heavy financial pressure on EDSA and affects its ability to provide steady electricity.

Bio urged citizens to protect electricity facilities instead of damaging or stealing equipment meant for public use.

Government expands electricity generation

Bio said the government will continue investing in projects designed to improve electricity supply.

He said work is planned to expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project. The expansion is expected to increase electricity generation beyond its present capacity of about 50 megawatts to help meet rising demand.

The president also referred to the recently commissioned 40-megawatt Newton Solar Power Plant, which started operations two weeks ago.

He said work is continuing on the 108-megawatt Nant Power Plant, which will be connected to the national electricity grid after completion.

Bio also said a 10-megawatt solar power plant in Lungi is close to completion and is expected to improve electricity supply in northern Sierra Leone.

He said these investments show the government's commitment to providing stable, affordable and sustainable electricity. He stressed that citizens also have a duty to protect electricity infrastructure and pay their bills promptly so the country's electricity sector can function effectively.

The president said stronger public cooperation will help ensure that the government's investment in electricity projects delivers better power supply to communities throughout Sierra Leone.