Since 2008, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has worked with the Ministry of Energy to develop power systems for the Goderich and Sussex communities and to upgrade sections of the challenged distribution network in Freetown.
On 22 August 2017, JICA handed over eight voltage transformers, cables, voltage shacks, bracket, poles, oil, a mobile workshop and materials that were replaced at Goderich. According to the master plan, Goderich was one of the areas that were identified in order to improve low voltage system.
The Project Coordinator, Francis Nyama, said the JICA project was divided in to two phases. Phase One was completed in 2009 where JICA constructed an 11kv distribution line from the Kingtom substation station to Wilberforce and a 2.2km 33kv distribution line from Wilberforce to Regent.
The second phase of the project was the installation of a 25MW diesel engine at the Kingtom Power Station.
The Project Consultant of JICA, Atsuhito Uruno, said, they are very happy about the completion of the $14 million USD project.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Hassan Barrie, expressed appreciation to the Japanese Government. He said, “We are going to take good care of these facilities and ensure that the projects are properly monitor.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Zainab B. Kamara, said she was satisfied with the project and happy that Goderich and Sussex have better power.
MJB/23/8/17
By Mohamed J. Bah
Thursday August 24, 2017.
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