Lungi, Sierra Leone — August 2025 — Residents of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom in northern Sierra Leone say progress is finally being made on the long-delayed 65-megawatt Lungi Power Development (LPD) solar project, which is expected to bring sustainable electricity to the area and parts of Freetown.
The project, situated between Madina Town and Gbanty Borlon, had been stalled for six to seven years under the supervision of Mr. Assana Konte, raising questions among local stakeholders about accountability and transparency. During that period, shareholders of Lungi Power Development in France reportedly remitted $20,000 annually for community support during Ramadan and Christmas. Local leaders allege the funds were misappropriated.
A stakeholders’ meeting held earlier this year — attended by Paramount Chief Bai Shebora Sheba Gbereh III, the Local Unit Commander, and other community representatives — brought the matter to light. Residents said the lack of transparency had undermined confidence in the project, which was initially designed to address Sierra Leone’s chronic electricity shortages.
Community leaders have since welcomed the intervention of Managing Director A.R. Sultan and Operational Manager Ricardo, who have recommitted to completing the solar project and restoring trust. Their involvement has revived hopes that the facility will soon provide reliable power to thousands of households.
In addition to pushing forward with the energy project, Sultan and Ricardo have pledged to rebuild six homes destroyed during the recent cotton tree disaster in Madina Town, an act residents described as a gesture of compassion and leadership.
The revival of the solar project is being seen as a crucial step toward diversifying Sierra Leone’s energy mix and reducing reliance on costly diesel generation, though questions remain over the long-term management and oversight of the scheme.
By Donald Kamara
