Government Delays Halt $198 Million Waste-to-Energy Project Despite Presidential Endorsement

Yassin Kargbo, the Country Director of Infinity Energy, has reported that a $198 million waste-to-energy project has been stalled due to ongoing delays by the government, despite receiving presidential approval in 2021.

This ambitious initiative, designed to generate 30 megawatts of electricity and create 6,000 jobs, remains stalled due to persistent bureaucratic challenges. Although it was launched in 2021 with the aim of significantly contributing to the national grid and the country's overall development, progress has been hindered.

Kargbo mentioned that the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Energy in July 2021 and received authorisation from the Freetown City Council to proceed with their studies. Research indicates that Sierra Leone, with a 3% annual population growth, generates approximately 1,500 tons of municipal waste daily, exceeding the 800 tons needed to produce the targeted 30 megawatts. Kargbo confirmed that their analysis shows no energy supply issues for the project.

He further explained that the project is currently at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) stage, with authorisation and relevant documents signed since April 30, 2024, before the former minister left office. Despite this, obstacles continue to impede further progress.

Kargbo's decision to address the issue publicly is not intended as a challenge but as a means to inform the President that the project he endorsed in 2021 remains incomplete. He highlighted how timely execution could have significantly mitigated the country's ongoing electricity challenges.

Beyond energy production, the project is planned with a six-year implementation timeline and is anticipated to create 6,000 jobs through waste collection and transportation.