The SLPP government of Sierra Leone upon assuming power in April this Year inherited a 50MW solar Energy Project with an Independent Power Provider (IPP) called planet Solar to install 50MW solar power in different parts of the country. But since April the new government and Planet Solar couldn’t move on with the project because the new government thought certain sections of the agreement then, was not in the interest of the country and was not in line with the economic policies of the new Direction and therefore ask for a renegotiation of the agreement.
Minister Saffa continued that the provision of sustainable and affordable electricity is critical to new direction government and therefore the government is expecting the IPP to deliver the project within the time frame.
The Minster of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay assured planet Solar of the support of the Ministry and the government and said He is expecting that after the signing the company with start mobilization and construction in the nearest future.
Alhaji Kanja Sesay expressed thanks to the Ministry of Finance, the Public Private Partnership secretariat and the IPP for their contribution to the project so far.
John Dupingy is the Country Representative of Planet Solar, he expressed his company’s determination to achieve the goals of the project and to deliver within the stipulated time. He went on to state that is a reliable solar and infrastructure company with a global reputation.
He said the project is divided into two phases, phase one is 25MW to the national grid in Makali and phase two Bo, Kenema and Port Loko. The project is expected to be completed by December 2019.