By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Ndeye Fatu Koroma, National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit (SLCMU), highlighted the root cause of the current energy crisis in Sierra Leone: a lack of comprehensive planning in the sector.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Conference Hall on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Fatu Koroma attributed the challenges to insufficient strategic planning. She emphasized that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, championed by President Bio, was a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming the energy sector, which has long been one of the country’s most pressing issues.
“The MCC Compact reflects a shift in mentality in Sierra Leone, where we focus on what is achievable rather than what is impossible,” Fatu Koroma stated. She praised the collaborative effort involving various stakeholders that enabled Sierra Leone to meet the stringent MCC criteria and improve its scorecard.
Addressing skepticism about Sierra Leone’s achievements, particularly in education under the MCC, Fatu Koroma asserted, “Sierra Leone has achieved unprecedented transformation in MCC scorecard indicators, surpassing any other country.”
Assuring transparency in financial management, she affirmed that every dollar promised under the MCC Compact would be utilized effectively. Drawing from past experience with the successful implementation of the $44.4 million stresshole program, she underscored the importance of addressing systemic barriers hindering progress across various sectors.
“The heart of our efforts lies in the structural transformation of the energy sector, which requires substantial investment and strategic oversight,” Fatu Koroma concluded. She highlighted ongoing efforts to centralize monitoring and evaluation through new initiatives aimed at enhancing national energy access and efficiency.
The government’s commitment to addressing longstanding energy challenges underscores its dedication to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans.
