By Jariatu S. Bangura
Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh, Member of Parliament for Kailahun District
Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh, Member of Parliament for Kailahun District under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has urged the government to prioritize the River Rokel Water Supply Project to address the growing water demands in the Western Area’s rural and urban districts.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Tengbeh highlighted a feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Water Resources on evacuating water from Rogbere Bridge through Masiaka into Freetown.
Although the project is estimated to cost over $300 million, he emphasized its potential to alleviate the ongoing water supply crisis, particularly in areas where Guma Valley Water Company cannot meet the demand.
“The Freetown municipality faces significant water challenges, and Guma is overstretched due to the city’s growing population. Exploring alternative water sources like the River Rokel is crucial,” Hon. Tengbeh noted.
He expressed optimism about the current national budget, emphasizing that its effective implementation would bring much-needed relief to communities and drive national development.
Hon. Tengbeh also highlighted the progress made in his constituency, particularly in Koindu, where road grading and energy improvements have begun transforming local infrastructure. He cited the $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant as a critical investment in Sierra Leone’s energy sector.
According to Hon. Tengbeh, the MCC funds should be utilized transparently to upgrade power transmission and distribution systems, creating a robust framework to import energy from neighboring countries like Guinea and Ivory Coast, as well as from domestic sources such as Bumbuna.
“When the right transmission systems are in place, we can evacuate power from anywhere. This will end the country’s energy challenges and unlock economic opportunities,” he stated, adding that misuse of these funds would jeopardize national progress.
Looking ahead, Hon. Tengbeh revealed that the 2025 budget will prioritize the completion of the seven-town electrification project, which is expected to bring power to underserved communities across the country.
He called on all stakeholders to ensure the MCC funds and other resources are utilized effectively, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s energy and water supply issues become a thing of the past.
