Utilities of Sierra Leone

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Power

The state-owned National Power Authority and Bo-Kenema Power Services, which fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Power, are the only distributors of electricity. One of the ministry’s main development objectives is the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project for the provision of an environmentally sustainable and efficient power source. As is the case with many infrastructure-related projects in Sierra Leone, the project is open to private sector involvement and forms part of a sustainable reform through privatisation strategy. Power supply in the country can be sporadic and most of the electricity supply is restricted to the main cities of Freetown, Kenema, Bo and Makeni. The Kingtom Power Station has been the primary generating station in the Western Area for many years and functions on diesel.

 

Water

Approximately 55 per cent of people use an improved drinking water source and 13 per cent have access to adequate sanitation facilities (2010). There are many subsidiary arms of government that form part of the provision of water services, including the Water Supply Division, the National Energy and Water Policy, Planning and Coordination Unit and the Guma Valley Water Company, all of which fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Power. The Sierra Leone Water Company provides clean and drinkable water.

 

Telecoms

In 2011 there were 356 mobile phone subscriptions per 1,000 people. Fixed line usage is far less widespread. The main provider of fixed telephony services for both national and international services, as well as the internet, is the government-owned Sierratel. The main mobile network providers include Celtel, Millicom, Africell and Comium.