February 24, 2016 By Joseph S. Margai
In order to ensure that more communities benefit from electricity supply, Ministry of Energy, as part of its Rehabilitation and Expansion of Medium and Low Voltage Distribution Network project, has extended electricity to Rogbangba and improved supply to Hamilton and Grafton, all in the Western Area Rural District.
The project is currently being undertaken by STEG International Services, a Tunisian based company, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). At the moment, STEG is embarking on fixing cables and conductors.
While on a visiting tour of project sites last Saturday, Minister of Energy Henry Macauley said the project was evident of the president’s dream to provide affordable, effective and efficient electricity supply in the country.
“This project also seeks to prevent the constraint of having low voltage, poor cable connection, by improving on the existing network. Transformers will be installed and electricity challenge in some communities will be a thing of the past,” he assured. He added that once the work was completed, there would be uninterrupted electricity supplies to the areas that the project covers.
He however expressed grave concern over the resistance of some community members to allow project contractors and engineers work in their communities. This, he said, could delay the completion date of the project.
He encouraged stakeholders in Hamilton, Grafton and Rogbangba communities to urge their people to develop entrepreneurial skills in a bid to help eradicate poverty.
Project Manager of STEG International Services, Mohamed Mezoughi, said the project covers 88 substations for the installation of transformers, adding that it comprises 48 stand-alone and 40 mounted transformers.
He said 5,800 poles and 2,200 prepaid metres are to be installed during the project’s 18 months period.
“2,300 poles of nine metres and 600 poles of 12 metres have already been installed. We are currently doing stringing of cables and conductors in three communities,” he said.
Member of Parliament representing constituency 93, Hon. Dauda Kallon, said his constituents used to access electricity supply at Hamilton, adding that after the war electricity supply could only be accessed by residents of Lakka community.
“Even though the electricity supply to Hamilton was very low, the people were still crying for it. With the advent of this project, it is hoped that low voltage and interrupted supply will be a thing of the past,” he said.
He noted that there have been complaints about cutting and stealing of cables in other communities, thus frustrating contractors from doing their job, but assured that materials and contractors would be protected in his constituency.
Hon. Pateh Bah of constituency 92, which includes Grafton and Rogbangba, together with his councilors and constituents, assured Ministry of Energy officials of their support to the success of the project.
STEG Project Manager, Mohamed Mezoughi (far left) explaining the current status of the project to Minister of Energy Henry Macaulay (centre)