The Fate Of Electricity Supply Hangs In A Balance
Sierra Leone energy sector is facing renewed strain, as officials raise alarms over the alarming decline in water levels at the Bumbuna Hydropower Dam—one of the country’s main sources of renewable energy. Citing climate change and unchecked human activities as root causes, authorities warn that the situation threatens not only the nation’s power supply but also long-term energy sustainability.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, Energy Sector Lead and Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, expressed grave concern over the current state of Bumbuna’s power output. He disclosed that the dam, once a reliable source of electricity for Freetown and other regions, has seen a drastic drop in output. “For the first time in six years, Bumbuna is unable to supply even 1 megawatt to Freetown,” he revealed. “Previously, it delivered between 14 and 15 megawatts, some of which were distributed to towns like Makeni and Magburaka. Today, the capital is almost entirely dependent on the Karpowership for electricity.”
The drastic reduction in hydropower generation has been linked to prolonged droughts, shifting weather patterns attributed to climate change, and the environmental degradation of upstream regions. Illegal mining, unregulated deforestation, and human encroachment around the Bumbuna watershed are rapidly eroding the conditions necessary for sustainable energy production.
Dr. Yumkella emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that these challenges, if left unchecked, could further destabilize the country’s already fragile energy infrastructure. He called for urgent action to protect the watershed and implement climate-resilient energy strategies that balance human activity with environmental sustainability.
To offer some relief to the ongoing crisis, Dr. Yumkella announced the completion of repairs on key generators located at Kingtom and Blackhall Road. These interventions have added approximately 9 megawatts to the national grid. Despite this, the city of Freetown continues to struggle with supply shortages. “Currently, Freetown receives only 67 to 68 megawatts at night, with an additional 9 megawatts from the Makoth plant during the daytime,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Energy II, Dr. Rahim Jalloh, reinforced Dr. Yumkella’s concerns, acknowledging the sector’s vulnerability, but assuring the public that the government is actively seeking both short-term and long-term solutions. He called on all stakeholders to work collectively in addressing the root causes of the energy crisis.
Providing a technical perspective, Milton Ngeba, Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), gave a detailed overview of the current generation and transmission challenges. He stressed that the energy shortfall was not merely a result of equipment failure, but a broader reflection of systemic environmental neglect and underinvestment in infrastructure.
In a strong message of support and appeal, Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Alpha Khan, commended the energy leadership for their proactive stance and reform efforts. He urged citizens to take personal responsibility by halting destructive practices such as illegal logging and mining, which are directly undermining national energy security.
As Sierra Leone grapples with rising electricity demands from a growing urban population and emerging industries, the government faces mounting pressure to implement sustainable and diversified energy solutions. The current crisis has highlighted the critical need for environmental stewardship, intersectoral collaboration, and long-term investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
The fate of Bumbuna—and by extension the country’s energy future—now rests on the nation’s ability to adapt swiftly, conserve its natural resources, and embrace innovation in the face of environmental and economic uncertainty.