By MoE Comm. Unit.
A high level of the Japanese delegation led by the Japanese ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. Tsutomu Himeno met with Ministry of Energy in Freetown on Wednesday 27th November 2019 to discuss the way forward for further JICA intervention to the energy sector.
The Minister of Energy and his team thanked the visiting delegates for their commitment to the request made by President Bio in Japan some time ago for 100 MW generators to the energy sector in Sierra Leone. The Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay reminded the delegates that he had made a follow up to the project in Japan. He continued that during his visit, it was made clear that it would be difficult for the 100 MW generators and so, alternatives were needed from the part of the part of Sierra Leonean energy sector.
Minister Kanja Sesay then asked his Deputy Minister, Dr. Eldred Tunde Taylor to brief the Ministry on the past days discussions with the Japanese Delegation and the Deputy Minister explained the concerns raised by the Japanese delegation on the project moving from the 100 MW generators to alternatives of overhauling the old and won out transmission and distribution (T & D) network of electricity in the country and the construction of more Mini Grids Solar system
Deputy Minister Taylor further expressed satisfaction on the upgrade of JICA’s Office in Sierra Leone from a field office to a Country office and hoped that the office would continue its good work in the country.
Permanent Secretary Morie Momoh who appreciated the alternatives proposed stressed on the T and D network for effective electricity service.
Other key speakers included Dr. Patrick Tarawalli, Technical Adviser of the Ministry, Dr. Wuseni, World Bank Projects Coordinator, Mr. Cyril Grant, Bumbuna 2 Project Manager, Madam NGozi Beckley-Lines, Projects Delivery Manager, Deputy Secretary Emmanuel Junisa and Renewable energy Head, Mr. Robin Manasaray.
The Japanese delegation including Dr. Kishore Shankerdas, the Managing Director of G. Shankerdas and sons was pleased with the discussion and assured the Ministry of positive response once the concept paper or proposal on the alternative projects is prepared with costs and submitted to the Japanese government.
The Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay in conclusion asked the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and technical team to prepare a concept paper with costs on the alternative projects of Mini Grids and T & D network intervention for an onwards submission to the Japanese government.
