Sierra Leone News: Energy Ministry Pays Over $300,000 Compensation To 96 Residents

Ministry of Energy yesterday 9th December 2015 paid over three hundred thousand United States dollars ($ 300.000) as compensation to 96 residents of Black Hall Road and Wellington, living directly under high tension electrical cables.
The payment is part of agreement signed between the ministry and residents whose properties will be demolished to enable the energy access project for 50 megawatts and also improve on the sub power station and the high tension cables within the surrounding areas of Black Hall Road and Wellington to address the current low voltage in that part of Freetown.

According to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Energy, Zainab Buya-Kamara, the project is essential as it will help address the low voltage to improve on electricity supply in the city.
She mentioned that the areas identified is dangerous, noting that most of the properties identified are directly under the high tension cable which is not good for human as these cables have high density of electricity that have the tendency to electrocute anyone within 5-10 meters.
She advised them to adhere to the agreement signed to save their lives and also contribute to the development of the country by vacating their properties immediately or within 2 weeks after they received their payment.

Minister of Energy, Henry Macauley, applauded the people for their solidarity with government to ensure the project is successful and promised that the ministry together with other development partners will ensure they provide adequate electricity supply in the country that will enhance development and progress. He said electricity is an essential factor in the country’s development; he therefore noted that every Sierra Leonean has a responsibility to pay and cautioned that people should desist from illegal electricity activities, thereby ensuring the development of electricity.;

The payment and signing of the agreement by the ministry and the people affected was witnessed by parliamentarians, councilors, traditional chiefs, headmen and women at the ministry’s conference room at Electricity House, Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown and the project is being sponsored by World Bank.