Bumbuna kicks off again

The Minister of Energy and Water Resources (MEWR) Professor Ogulande Davidson on Tuesday night switched on Bumbuna hydro dam once again after an increase in the water level and minor repairs done on the machine.
Bumbuna was shut down as a result of the low water level during the dry season.
In an exclusive interview with Awoko yesterday, he stated they are now putting structures in place for Bumbuna not to be shut down again, while stressing that “we are now making Bumbuna to produce 50 Mega Watts (MW) in the rains and up to 17 MW in the dry season”.
Professor Davidson maintained that the two JICA and BADEA machines will work alongside Bumbuna during the dry season, adding that the two standby machines will produce up to 26.5 MW.
Asked if the electricity tariff will be reduced he said government is working on it presently to reduce the tariff.
Professor Davidson pointed out that the Power Authority will institute load shedding since the transport capacity available is not so enough to supply the power that is require in Freetown.
The Minister further disclosed that by December the BADEA 16.5 MW machines will be ready for commissioning.
On natural disaster, he explained that, because of excessive wind 54 cases of damaged electric poles have been reported, indicating that they are now putting prevention programmes in place for inspection of poles or cables that are very close and other structures.
He urged people to pay their bills and refrain from illegal connections.
In another development The National Power Authority yesterday announced that the interserve project in conjunction with 2E systems a (locally based electrical contractors) will engage in the installation of new switch gears along the PWD (Kissy) and Fisheries (dockyard) axis.
This will involve the installation of about eleven transformers within the entire Kissy community and Low Cost Housing Estate, and therefore appealed to residents to exercise patience during the period of the installation process that commence today and ends on Saturday.
By Abibatu Kamara