By: Sahr Foa Matturie
Residents of Makeni and other parts of Bombali District may soon witness renewed efforts toward addressing the ongoing electricity crisis following a high-level press conference organized today by the Bombali Development Actors with key stakeholders and members of the media.
Speaking during the engagement, Chairman of the organization, Mohamed Sorie Conteh, presented a detailed briefing outlining the interventions and engagements undertaken by the group in response to the persistent blackout affecting Makeni and surrounding communities.
According to Conteh, the BDA initiated a series of consultations beginning on 15 April 2026 with officials of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), traders’ unions, bike riders’ associations, and other community stakeholders in a bid to better understand the root causes of the prolonged electricity interruptions.
He explained that the organization intensified its advocacy and engagement efforts after regional officials of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) attributed the crisis to hydrological challenges affecting the water levels at the Bumbuna hydroelectric dam.
Conteh further disclosed that, following discussions with energy sector authorities, a proposed conducted tour involving EDSA and EGTC officials was organized to allow representatives from Makeni to independently assess the situation at the Bumbuna facility.
The visit, facilitated by the Resident Minister, included a three-member delegation from Makeni comprising media practitioner Mahamood Fofanah, BDA Vice Chairperson Betty Alimamy Sesay, and Chairperson Mohamed Kamara.
The delegation reportedly inspected the operational activities at the dam and assessed the declining water levels that authorities say have severely affected electricity generation capacity.
During the visit, engineers at the facility revealed that Bumbuna is currently generating approximately 4.5 megawatts of electricity, compared to a maximum generation capacity of about 7 megawatts during periods of full water levels. Officials added that, at the time of the delegation’s visit, output had slightly improved to 5.1 megawatts.
The team was also informed that under normal conditions, Freetown receives between 48 and 50 megawatts of electricity supply from the national grid system, but that output had significantly reduced due to the drop in water levels.
According to the briefing, the Makeni substation remains one of the primary beneficiaries of the electricity generated from Bumbuna, especially during the peak of the dry season. Engineers reportedly explained that the dam also supports the transmission line feeding Freetown through what was described as the “re-energizing CLSG” system.
Officials further disclosed that maintenance work is expected to commence on 18 May, depending on water levels and operational capacity at the dam. Engineers stated that for optimal copper aid operations and effective generation, the water level must remain at approximately 210 meters above sea level. At the time of the inspection visit, the level reportedly stood at 212 meters.
Addressing concerns from residents, Vice Chairperson Betty Alimamy Sesay cautioned against politicizing the electricity crisis, emphasizing that the issue should be treated as a national development concern rather than a political debate.
She called on citizens, political actors, and civil society groups to work collectively in supporting constructive dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to the energy challenges affecting the region.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Makeni City, Abubakarr Lambay-Kamara, also appealed to the Government of Sierra Leone and energy sector authorities to urgently address the persistent blackout situation.
The Mayor expressed hope that the current assurances and interventions would not end up like previous promises made to residents. He acknowledged growing public frustration fueled by rumours and conspiracy theories circulating within the city alleging that electricity intended for Makeni had been redirected to Freetown.
He urged authorities to improve public communication and transparency surrounding electricity distribution and generation challenges in order to restore public confidence and reduce misinformation.
The press conference ended with calls for continued engagement between government institutions, development actors, civil society groups, and citizens as Makeni continues to grapple with one of its most difficult electricity supply periods in recent years.
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