By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a new development, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas has been unanimously confirmed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone to serve as a Member of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The approval was part of a wider confirmation of three Presidential Nominees during a parliamentary session on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Dr. Kishore Shankerdas, a seasoned professional with notable expertise in business and credit management, received commendations from several parliamentarians for his experience and vision. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the energy sector, an area that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
The debate surrounding the appointments was led by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, who praised the thorough vetting process undertaken by the Appointment Committee. The Committee ensured that all nominees, including Dr. Kishore Shankerdas, possessed the necessary qualifications and proven track records to excel in their designated roles. He highlighted that the vetting process included in-depth questions regarding their educational backgrounds, assets, tax obligations and commitment to delivering tangible results in their respective roles.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the Majority Deputy Whip, lauded Dr. .Kishore Shankerdas for his impressive business acumen. She urged him to leverage his experience to drive sustainable solutions for electricity supply, especially in light of the current challenges facing the sector. Her remarks underscored the need for collaboration across sectors to improve the country’s energy infrastructure.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the Opposition Whip, acknowledged the importance of the EDSA and called for a more proactive approach to addressing Sierra Leone’s electricity challenges. He emphasized the necessity for national action to ensure long-term solutions for electricity shortages, suggesting that projects like Bumbuna Phase Two could be pivotal in securing a more stable energy future for the country.
Throughout the debate, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas was recognized for his capacity to bring innovative ideas to the table, with MPs calling for a concerted effort to address issues like electricity shortages and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. The discussion also highlighted the need for greater cooperation between the public and private sectors to resolve ongoing challenges.
In his concluding remarks, the Acting Opposition Leader, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, expressed optimism about the nominees’ ability to deliver on their mandates, particularly Dr. Kishore Shankerdas’ potential to influence positive change in the electricity sector. He emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable electricity solutions that will benefit future generations.
As the electricity sector undergoes a major transformation, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas’ appointment comes at a crucial time. The Acting Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, urged the new appointees to embrace their responsibilities with dedication and integrity. He highlighted the challenges within the electricity sector and called for innovative strategies to address the persistent issues of energy supply.
With his extensive experience and clear vision, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, ensuring that the country’s electricity distribution and supply systems are modernized, sustainable and capable of meeting the demands of the population.
