$24.39 Million Grant to Upgrade Bumbuna-Freetown Power Line

By: Christian Conteh

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has approved a $24.39 million grant to upgrade the Bumbuna-Freetown power line, enhancing infrastructure to boost the capacity and reliability of power supply to Sierra Leone’s capital. This funding is part of a broader $480.67 million budget aimed at revitalizing Sierra Leone’s energy sector to drive economic growth and improve living standards.

The comprehensive budget is allocated across four main projects: the Transmission Backbone Project, the Distribution and Access Project, the Power Sector Reform Project, and Monitoring and Evaluation. Additional funds are designated for Program Administration and Oversight.

1. Transmission Backbone Project – $226.7 million- This is the largest component of the budget, focusing on strengthening Sierra Leone’s electricity transmission system. Key activities include:

Transmission Dispatch Center Activity ($22.45 million): Establishing a centralized hub for efficient and reliable power distribution.

Southern Transmission Corridor Activity ($170.9 million): Developing a transmission line to connect southern regions, facilitating electricity flow across the country.

Bumbuna-Freetown Line Upgrade Activity ($24.39 million): Upgrading existing infrastructure to increase the capacity and reliability of the power supply to the capital.

EGTC Capacity Building Activity ($7.97 million): Enhancing the capabilities of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

2. Distribution and Access Project – $123.8 million- This component aims to improve the distribution network and expand access to electricity:

Distribution Dispatch Center Activity ($30.55 million): Creating a centre for efficient service delivery.

Distribution Refurbishment Activity ($44.34 million): Upgrading existing distribution infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce losses.

Access Activity ($26.85 million): Expanding electricity access in underserved areas.

EDSA Capacity Building Activity ($22.1 million): Strengthening the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to enhance operational efficiency.

3. Power Sector Reform Project – $50.3 million- Focused on sustainable reforms within the power sector, this component includes:

MIAA Activity ($24.5 million): Implementing the Millennium Impact and Assessment Activity to evaluate reforms.

Financial Sustainability Activity ($8.6 million): Ensuring financial stability through cost recovery and financial management.

Policy & Planning Activity ($10.67 million): Developing policies and strategic plans for the power sector.

Cross-Cutting Capacity Activity ($6.52 million): Building cross-sectoral capacities to support reform and sustainability.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation – $7.8 million- This allocation is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of the projects, ensuring accountability and transparency.

5. Program Administration and Oversight – $72 million-These funds cover the administrative and oversight costs necessary to implement and manage the projects effectively.

The proposed MCC budget represents a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, with a substantial focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure, critical reforms, and capacity-building initiatives. This investment underscores the importance of reliable electricity in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.

With proper implementation and oversight, this budget has the potential to transform Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, fostering sustainable development and reducing poverty.