On Thursday 17 November 2016, Minister of Energy, Ambassador Henry Macauley formally launched the transmission and distribution project following the completion of the two megawatts Bankasoska hydro dam in Port Loko. Ambassador Macauley was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wu Peng. The project is funded through an agreement between China and the Government of Sierra Leone.
The project includes the installation of new power lines, a sub-station, 18 transformers and a one megawatt thermal plant. The thermal plant will complement the Bankasoka hydro dam when water levels are low during the dry season. The project will serve approximately 30,000 households in a township of around 40,000 inhabitants.
Ambassador Henry Macauley said the Bankasoka hydro transmission and distribution project “will stimulate economic activities, job creation and educational advancement.”
Chairman of the Energy Committee in Parliament, Hon Sulaiman Sisay asked the people of Port Loko to take ownership of the project and prevent theft of electrical installations – a practice which he said has been common in the township lately. The transmission and distribution project is expected to be completed in November 2017.