In a historic moment for Sierra Leone’s energy transformation agenda, on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, Kambia Town has been lit for the first time in more than forty years, marking a major milestone in President Julius Maada Bio’s nationwide electrification drive.

The progress comes under the direct supervision of the Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, who has spent the past five days on the ground in Kambia, working side by side with engineers from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). His active involvement underscores the Government’s commitment to turning President Bio’s “Light for Every District” vision into a tangible reality.

Four major transformers, Romacca, Military Barracks, IDA and Police Barracks, have now been fully energized, forming part of Transformers 1, 2, 3, and 4 that are already supplying stable power to connected households. EDSA engineers continue to extend connections to additional parts of the township, as more residents prepare to join the grid.

In his address to the community, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella urged residents to ensure proper home wiring and to register for meters in order to safely benefit from the new power supply. “Electricity is now available in Kambia; all we need is for our people to wire their homes and get connected to the grid,” he stated, emphasizing responsible usage and community cooperation.

Lead EDSA Engineer in Kambia, Alhassan Bangura, confirmed that tremendous progress had been achieved within a week and assured the public that remaining works would be completed in the coming weeks.

Beyond electrification, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella used his visit to champion social development. At the Kambia Hope and Healing Initiative Center, a rehabilitation facility supporting youth recovering from substance abuse, he pledged, on behalf of President Bio, to provide free electrical installation and a dedicated meter. He encouraged the young people to embrace a future of productivity and discipline, in line with the President’s national call to reject drug use and rebuild lives.

Addressing a jubilant crowd at the Kambia Lorry Park, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella appealed to the community to protect and preserve the new infrastructure. “This light belongs to all of us,” he said. “Let us protect it, use it wisely and ensure it stays on.”

As Kambia glows once again after decades of darkness, the event stands as a powerful symbol of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to equitable energy access across Sierra Leone; brought to life through the dedication and visionary leadership of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella and his team at the Ministry of Energy. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/electricity-returns-to-kambia-a-milestone-in-sierra-leones-energy-transformation/