After enduring 40 years without consistent power, the residents of Moyamba Town are celebrating the official commissioning of a new 1-Megawatt solar power plant. The landmark project, inaugurated on Saturday by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, promises to connect over 3,000 households and usher in a new era of development for the district. The usage of the grid itself started some few months back with key stakes being connected first.
The initiative began with the pressing need to address the long-standing energy crisis in Moyamba, a situation exacerbated by the destruction of infrastructure during the civil war. For decades, households and businesses relied on costly and environmentally damaging power alternatives, hindering economic growth and impacting the quality of life. Recognizing the critical role of energy in national development, President Bio's administration prioritized finding a sustainable solution for the town.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Bio expressed his profound satisfaction, highlighting the project as a significant achievement in Sierra Leone's pursuit of sustainable energy. He emphasized the collaborative effort between his government, which funded the construction of the power distribution network, and development partners who financed the solar photovoltaic generation plant and battery storage.
"This project is yet another shining example of effective collaboration between my government and our development partners," the President stated. He further announced that the Moyamba Solar Plant would serve as a pilot for similar initiatives in other district headquarter towns, with the overarching goal of providing reliable electricity access to numerous districts and chiefdoms. "Access to energy is a human right and a critical enabler of human development, especially in the 21st century," he asserted.
President Bio underscored the transformative potential of consistent electricity, noting its ability to stimulate business growth, encourage entrepreneurship, improve educational and healthcare services, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of communities. He specifically pointed out the benefits for local farmers in processing and preserving their produce, extended operating hours for traders, and improved performance for students and healthcare professionals. "If we can achieve this in Moyamba, we can certainly replicate it across the country," he affirmed.
Silvia Gallo, the UNOPS West Africa Director, commended President Bio's unwavering dedication to providing sustainable and reliable electricity across Sierra Leone. "The commissioning of the Moyamba Solar Plant is a clear testament that change is happening, and UNOPS is proud to support your vision of energy access for all citizens," she remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, Kagaba Paul Mukibi, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, hailed the project as a significant step forward in the nation's electricity access agenda. He reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting both off-grid and stand-alone solar power systems, particularly for schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, also lauded the achievement. He emphasized that President Bio's energy plan aims to tackle the fundamental challenges within the sector and reminded the public that energy solutions often require time and sustained effort. Dr. Yumkella described the Moyamba project as the initial phase of a broader initiative to electrify seven towns by transitioning from diesel power to cleaner solar energy sources.
President Bio concluded his address by urging the residents of Moyamba to utilize the newly available electricity productively, fostering business development, creating employment opportunities, and uplifting their communities. The commissioning of the Moyamba Solar Plant marks a pivotal moment for the town, offering a brighter and more prosperous future powered by clean energy.
