By Alieu Amara Suwu
In recent budget discussions held at the Ministry of Finance on George Street in Freetown, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) received high praises for its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY-2025) presentation.
Despite facing significant challenges, EDSA’s efforts in maintaining and enhancing electricity supply across Sierra Leone have been recognized as exemplary.
Ministry of Finance officials commended EDSA for its resilience in addressing ongoing issues such as electricity theft and damage to infrastructure, which had previously disrupted power supply to various communities. The reduction in theft rates and the improved generation supply across the country were highlighted as major achievements.
EDSA’s performance in revenue collection was also noted positively. The authority has managed to increase its revenue and reduce linkages, contributing significantly to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Moreover, EDSA’s alignment with key government initiatives, including the “Feed Salone” program, has bolstered efforts to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply for the nation.
Chief Finance Officer Mustapha Sannoh detailed EDSA’s financial performance during his presentation. As of July 2024, the cost of purchasing power stood at NLe 1.67 billion, with an anticipated increase to NLe 2.54 billion by the end of the year. Customer numbers rose from 300,568 in 2022 to 317,754 in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 5.7%.
From January to July of this year, EDSA collected a total revenue of NLe 860,118 with an average monthly collection of NLe 122,874, marking a 37% annual growth rate. Sannoh assured that electricity tariffs would remain stable and outlined plans to reduce losses by 10% through public-private partnership interventions.
Looking forward, Sannoh identified several challenges for FY-2025. These include addressing overdue debts from various ministries and agencies, navigating the volatility of global fuel prices, and coping with the depreciation of the Leone against major currencies. Additional concerns include delays in key trunk projects funded by international donors and the need to secure foreign exchange to meet payment obligations to independent power producers.
Despite these challenges, Sannoh expressed confidence in EDSA’s strategic approach to managing financial gaps, including potential solutions such as commercial bank borrowing and prepaid aggregator financing. The authority remains committed to enhancing electricity distribution and addressing ongoing issues to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for Sierra Leone.
Overall, EDSA’s presentation highlighted its proactive measures and financial management, earning praise for its dedication to improving electricity services despite considerable obstacles.
