By Alfred Koroma
President Julius Maada Bio has on Tuesday 18th June launched the construction of the Nant Gas Power Generation Plant at Kissy Fuel Terminal, East of Freetown.
Following yesterday’s launching, construction of the plant will now begin and is expected to complete in 36 months.
When completed, Sierra Leone’s first gas-to-power plant will generate electricity for the country and address its critical need for access to reliable energy infrastructure.
The project will provide 150 megawatt energy that will serve about 900,000 consumers, the President said in his statement at the launching of the project, explaining that the project will not only provide energy, but also create employment and other economic benefits for the country.
“The project underscores our commitment to ensuring stable and reliable electricity in Sierra Leone, vital for the prosperity of our economy and the growth of businesses,” he said, thanking the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Milele Energy, TCQ Power and ECOWAS Bank for Investment for their support.
Top government officials and diplomats from the international community, including the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, and the U.S. DFC Deputy CEO (DCEO) Nisha Biswal witnessed the launching of the project in Kissy.
In his statement, the U.S Ambassador expressed delight over their support for the project which he said will revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy landscape.
“The Nant Energy project brings opportunities to communities across the nation. The effects of this project will be profound, and we are excited to witness a new era of prosperity for the country and the region,” Ambassador Huntsaid.
“Access to power is essential for improving lives and livelihoods now – and driving economic growth for years to come,” DCEO Biswal also reechoed. “Today, we will break ground on the Nant Energy power project, which will contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s energy security, marking a major milestone in this project’s development.”
Rashid Conteh, who spoke on behalf of the Kissy Community said expressed appreciation to the President for choosing Kissy community for such a project, assuring: “We have given our blessings to this project.”
And Paul Osman Kabia, Chairman for persons living with disabilities in the community thanked the President for his inclusive leadership approach, expressing satisfaction for their involvement in the planning and implementation of the project.
“We are very much happy. This make a great history, Kabia said. “We are happy that you included us.”
