By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially launched Phase 3 of the Sierra Leone Electrification Project at Connaught Hospital on Thursday, June 12, 2025, marking a major advancement in efforts to improve the country’s health infrastructure.
The project, which introduces advanced solar energy systems and enhanced grid connectivity, aims to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to the country’s premier referral hospital.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the historic Connaught Hospital, drew senior Government officials, engineers, healthcare professionals, Ministry of Health representatives and community members. The event marked a significant step forward in the Government’s drive to improve public health service delivery through sustainable energy solutions.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated, “Today at Connaught Hospital, I commissioned solar energy systems for 10 hospitals in Freetown, Makeni, Kenema and other parts of Sierra Leone. With 2.25 megawatts peak (MWp) of clean power now installed, our health workforce is better equipped to deliver lifesaving treatment. This contributes to the impressive gains we have already made in expanding vaccine access and reducing maternal and child mortality.”
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and development partners for their ongoing support in ensuring reliable and affordable energy for frontline health facilities.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, highlighted the critical importance of the electrification project, describing it as a turning point in the country’s health sector. “Reliable electricity at Connaught Hospital will enable faster emergency responses, protect essential medical equipment and significantly improve patient care,” he said. Dr. Austin Demby noted that past power outages severely disrupted surgical and emergency services and he expressed confidence that the upgraded infrastructure will enable longer operating hours and improved patient outcomes.
He further emphasized that the initiative is aligned with the Government’s Energy Sector Recovery Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and clean energy.
Ms. Ngozi Beckley-Lines, Country Manager for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the implementing agency, explained the broader scope of the program. “Launched in 2022, the Sierra Leone Electrification Project is a multi-phase effort to achieve nationwide energy access. Phase 3 focuses on powering urban healthcare facilities and key public institutions, with Connaught Hospital standing as a flagship beneficiary.”
She added that SEforALL remains committed to supporting Government priorities by deploying renewable energy solutions that strengthen essential services and improve lives.
The commissioning of Phase 3 reaffirms the Government’s dedication to sustainable development and improved service delivery. It also underscores a strategic vision to leverage clean energy in advancing healthcare outcomes and supporting economic resilience across Sierra Leone.
