Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Venue: Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) held its weekly press conference to address key national issues, including electricity supply, water distribution, and the Citizens’ Budget. Below are the major highlights:
Civic Day Series Heads to Karene District
The Strategic Communications Adviser, Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, announced that the Civic Day Series will take place in Karene District from 13th–14th April 2026.
He noted that the initiative has already been successfully conducted in Bombali, Port Loko, Kambia, Moyamba, Kenema, Bo, Kono, and Falaba, with Karene being the next stop, followed by Kailahun, Bonthe, and Pujehun.
Nyallay described the programme as a key commitment by the government of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to bring governance closer to the people. He highlighted that thousands of citizens have participated, asking direct questions and engaging government officials. He urged residents of Karene District to actively participate in the upcoming event.
Government Clarifies Makeni Electricity Supply Concerns
Deputy Minister of Energy I, Edmond Nonie, dismissed claims that electricity was diverted from Makeni to Freetown.
He explained that Freetown requires about 100 megawatts, while Makeni produces only 6 megawatts, making such a claim illogical. He assured citizens that the government would not deprive one city to supply another.
He further confirmed that maintenance work affecting Makeni and Magburaka had been completed, with electricity expected to be restored at the time of the briefing.
Nationwide Electricity Status Update
The Deputy Minister disclosed that Kambia Town has now been electrified, with 275 homes connected from zero access.
He provided updates on electricity supply across the country: Bo, Kenema, and Kono have 15MW supply, Port Loko has 1MW, Lunsar has 1.25MW, Moyamba has solar plant and generator while Kailahun, Bonthe, and Pujehun have generator-powered supply
He noted that while the government continues to supply fuel to sustain electricity in these areas, revenue generation remains low compared to expenditure.
Regarding Freetown, he attributed reduced electricity supply to the dry season, explaining that the Bumbuna hydroelectric dam currently produces only about 5MW, significantly affecting supply.
Launch of Electricity Complaints Chatbot
The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has developed a Chatbot system to receive electricity-related complaints and inquiries.
According to Nonie, the platform will enable EDSA to handle large volumes of complaints simultaneously, improving response time and service delivery.
Guma Valley Water Company Outlines Improvement Measures
Managing Director Mariwan Kallon highlighted efforts to improve water supply across the country.
He revealed that 366 units of 10,000-litre water tanks have been installed in communities to reduce dependence on pipelines and minimize leakages.
Kallon also noted Increased action against illegal water connections through law enforcement, Installation of meters on all hydrants to monitor usage and losses.
Water Rationing Plan and Catchment Concerns
To ensure equitable distribution, Guma Valley Water Company has introduced a rationing system, dividing Freetown into six zones, each receiving water supply for approximately eight hours daily.
Kallon expressed concern over encroachment on Guma catchment areas and commended government efforts to address the issue.
Nationwide Sensitization on the Citizens’ Budget
The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, announced ongoing nationwide sensitization on the 2026 national budget.
He emphasized that citizens have the right to understand government spending. In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and with technical support from Oxford, the budget has been simplified into a more accessible and reader-friendly version.
Civil Society Calls for Accountability in Electricity Service
Matilda Ekan Sonsiama, Programme Officer at Accountability Now Sierra Leone, called on EDSA to improve electricity supply in Freetown.
She discouraged the use of postpaid meters and urged citizens to avoid illegal electricity connections and theft.
Sonsiama also raised concerns about alleged misconduct by some EDSA staff, claiming that certain officials compromise enforcement efforts by accepting bribes. She called for stronger monitoring and accountability within the institution.
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