Bumbuna Hydropower Dam in Declining State

The Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has expressed serious concerns over the declining capacity of the Bumbuna Hydropower Dam, attributing the issue to climate change and human activities upstream. Dr. Yumkella informed journalists that Deputy Minister of Energy I, Ing. Edmond Nonie, was absent due to chairing a meeting with agency heads within the sector. He acknowledged the positive remarks made by Members of Parliament from Kono and Bombali during the parliamentary vetting and approval of Deputy Minister II, Dr. Rahim Jalloh, regarding their cities’ 24-hour electricity supply. However, he admitted that Freetown’s ongoing electricity crisis was causing him significant distress. “Why is Freetown struggling? The city still lacks sufficient generation capacity. For the first time in six years, Bumbuna is unable to supply even 1MW to Freetown,” Dr. Yumkella stated. “Previously, during this period, Bumbuna would supply 14-15MW, with some power distributed to Makeni and Magburaka. However, we had to halt the flow due to system tripping. Currently, Freetown is relying solely on the Karpowership.” He further noted that repairs on generators at Kingtom and Blackhall Road had been completed, adding 9MW to the grid. Despite these efforts, Freetown now receives only 67-68MW at night, with an additional 9MW from Makoth during the day. Deputy Minister II, Dr. Rahim Jalloh, echoed concerns about the declining water levels at Bumbuna but assured that the sector was working diligently to mitigate the challenges. Meanwhile, Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), Milton Ngeba, provided a technical overview of generation issues and the pressing challenges affecting supply. Presidential Spokesman Dr. Alpha Khan commended Dr. Yumkella and energy sector stakeholders for their commitment to improving the energy sector despite numerous difficulties. He condemned destructive human activities such as mining and deforestation, urging Sierra Leoneans to desist from actions that negatively impact power generation. With the energy sector being closely tied to the Feed Salone agenda, reforms continue in an effort to stabilize and improve electricity supply across the country.