By Abubakarr Harding
In a bid to reduce carbon emission and mitigate climate change in the country, Africell Sierra Leone has on Wednesday, 4th January 2023 launched the “Klin Energy Initiative” during a well-attended ceremony held at Africell’s Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown.
Speaking on the significance of the scheme, the Managing Director of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, stated that they have decided to name the initiative “Klin Energy” because climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet today, and they need to actively look for solutions that will help preserve the planet not only for this generation but for the future ones adding that whilst such is a collective responsibility, they have taken the lead to be the first to invest and implement renewable energy solutions in their operations maintaining that such will effectively mean that Africell will progressively transitioning into a cleaner, more sustainable energy entity.
He continued that the solar initiative is about more than just saving money as it is also about making a commitment to complement and achieve one of UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals -affordable and clean energy, furthering that UNDP has championed initiatives such as theirs and together they will also be looking at energy-sharing solutions as part of “Klin Energy”.
Shadi Gerjawi concluded by stating that they understand that transitioning to clean energy will not be easy, and it will require the efforts of businesses, Governments and individuals at home and around the world but said they are confident that by working together they can create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, applauded Africell for such an initiative stating that there was need for transformation, one driven by communities at the fore front, enterprises and organizations that serve and understand them affirming that innovators have the skills and tools to push things forward.
“For renewable energy technology to be available to all it will be essential to remove roadblocks to knowledge sharing and technological transfer, including intellectual property rights barriers,” he suggested.
He continued by stating that such will help them reduce their reliance on fuel, diesel use; expand telecom infrastructure to off-grid areas; and reduce carbon emissions. The Minister revealed that after the financing agreement in July 2022 with the World Bank, they on the 13th December 2022 they as a Ministry got approval for a $50M IDA grant to implement a five year Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project.
He ended by stating that the project will also support EPA to develop an e-Waste management policy and strategy to help reduce carbon foot print in the environment.
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki- Swayerr highlighted that the sustainable development goals are the UN’s blue print for a more sustainable future for all.
She went on to state that clean energy provides a variety of environmental and economic benefits, including a reduction in air pollution.
“A diverse clean energy supply also reduces the dependence on imported fuel and the associated financial and environmental costs such incurs,” she added.
Launching the clean energy initiative, Africell Group Chairman, Ziad Dalloul stated that the initiative include a solar farm and a fleet of innovative electric tricycles, adding that Africell’s goal is to be more sustainable.
He expressed the view that the success of such initiatives will hopefully inspire other organizations and communities in Sierra Leone to move to cleaner energy.
He concluded by stating that solar power has huge potential in Africa, adding that Sierra Leone can be a leader in harnessing the sun to drive economic progress and improve the lives of everyone in the country.
