By Fatmata Dumbuya
The Electricity bill Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), in partnership with the World Bank, has held a public disclosure meeting on an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for an energy project in Pujehun District.
The meeting, held at the Pujehun District Council Guest House Hall, brought together government officials, project-affected persons, local authorities, civil society groups, women’s organisations and the media.
Town Chief of Gobaru, Chief Tucker, welcomed participants and expressed support for the consultation process.
Chairing the event, Mohamed Olu Koroma, deputy chairman of the Pujehun District Youth Council, said the engagement formed part of efforts to advance the government’s energy access programme.
Augusta Gardi Berewa, a social safeguard and gender specialist working with EDSA on a World Bank-funded project, said the consultation is part of a nationwide process under the Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project, which aims to expand electricity supply and connect underserved districts to the national grid.
She said the project would cover communities along transmission routes in Pujehun, Koinadugu, Kenema and Kailahun districts and called on stakeholders to support its implementation.
Senesie Fullah, EDSA’s senior environmental management specialist, said the project involves constructing a 42.2-kilometre 33-kilovolt transmission line from Busu Barrie to a powerhouse in Gobaru using steel monopoles.
He outlined potential environmental and social impacts, along with mitigation measures, adding that the project is designed to deliver reliable and sustainable electricity to communities in the district.
Usman Cherri Conteh, deputy development secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, said the initiative aligns with the government’s development priorities and national resettlement framework.
Local leaders also welcomed the project. Mary Kaikai, town chief of Yonni in Kpanga Chiefdom, said access to electricity would support economic growth, education, healthcare and agricultural development.
Officials also presented the resettlement action plan, detailing compensation measures and livelihood restoration strategies for people likely to be affected by the project.
