By Mariama Bundu
The government has rejected claims that electricity is being diverted from Makeni to Freetown.
Speaking at the weekly press conference of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 7th April 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, Deputy Minister of Energy I, Edmond Nonie, described the claim as untrue.
He explained that Freetown needs about 100 megawatts of electricity, while Makeni produces only 6 megawatts. He said this makes it impossible for electricity to be taken from Makeni to supply the capital. He assured the public that the government will not take power from one city to give to another.
Nonie also said that maintenance work in Makeni and Magburaka has been completed, and electricity supply was expected to be restored.
Giving an update on electricity across the country, he said Kambia Town now has power, with 275 homes connected for the first time. He added that Bo, Kenema, and Kono are each receiving 15 megawatts of electricity. Port Loko has 1 megawatt, while Lunsar has 1.25 megawatts. Moyamba is supplied by a solar plant and a generator, while Kailahun, Bonthe, and Pujehun depend on generators.
He noted that although the government continues to provide fuel to support electricity supply in these areas, the money collected is still less than what is being spent.
Speaking on the situation in Freetown, Nonie said the drop in electricity is due to the dry season. He explained that the Bumbuna hydroelectric dam is currently producing only about 5 megawatts, which has affected supply.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy, working with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has introduced a chatbot to receive complaints and questions about electricity.
Nonie said the new system will help the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) respond to many complaints quickly and improve service delivery.
