July 8, 2015
Paramount Chief Alfred Hindowa Demby V of Baoma Chiefdom, Bo District, was pleased to host executives of Solar Era Holdings, providers of renewable energy solutions, at his Bo residence following Parliament’s ratification of their proposed 5mw solar energy generation project for the district.
“I wish to thank all those who have helped bring this pioneering clean and renewable energy project to this part of our beloved country,” said PC Demby. “This project, which is so dearly needed by the people of Bo, is clear proof of the Agenda for Prosperity at work and will contribute towards the development of the country as a whole.”
He commended President Koroma, the Ministry of Energy and the EDSA for addressing the challenge of electricity for the Bo community, and exhorted Solar Era to work diligently towards realising the hopes of his people.
PC Demby extended his invitation to Solar Era to allow stakeholders, including local councillors and representatives of civil society and land owning families, to meet and understand the scope of the project, which is expected to be completed in May 2016, and will be replicated in other districts across the country following successful implementation in Bo.
Commenting on their visit, Ms. Sophie Johnson, Managing Director of Solar Era Holding, thanked the traditional ruler for his invitation, saying it was very important for her company to be able to engage and discuss their plans with the communities in which they work.
“Solar Era’s mission,” she said, “is to bring renewable energy to Africa and to enable development and growth through associated projects. We look forward to supplying the people of Bo with sustainable and environmentally friendly power for years to come. Parliament’s ratification was a significant step amongst many on the way to completion.”
Noting the Sierra Leonean involvement in the project, PC Demby observed that this was in accordance with the government of Sierra Leone’s Local Content Policy, sentiments echoed by Ms. Johnson who commented that, “Although Solar Era works across Africa, it is particularly pleasing for me to be able to deliver a project of this nature on my home soil”.
Solar Era is a renewable energy project development company with offices in West and East Africa. The company prides itself on identifying local energy needs and sourcing the appropriate international expertise, technology and finance to deliver cost efficient solutions to create local capacity and job opportunities.