On June 20th, 2023, just four days before the general elections, the residents of Pujehun township celebrated a momentous occasion as a long-awaited generator was switched on, bringing light to the town for the first time in decades. This event was a fulfillment of a manifesto promise made by President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction government. The celebration saw the attendance of notable personalities, including the then Energy Minister, government appointees from Pujehun District, Members of Parliament, district stakeholders, and numerous other attendees, all heralding the start of what was expected to be a new era of consistent and sustainable electricity for Pujehun.

### Initial Efforts and Contracts

The groundwork for this promise was laid back on December 31st, 2020, when Sierra Leone’s former Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, officially signed contracts for the electrification of Pujehun Township and six other district headquarters. During the contract signing ceremony, Sesay emphasized the significance of Pujehun to the New Direction administration, highlighting that the district deserved sustainable electricity. The project aimed to establish the necessary infrastructure for an 11KV Sub Transmission and Distribution Network in Pujehun Town, as well as surrounding areas such as Gobaru, Yoni, and Massam Kpaka.

 Celebrations and Early Optimism

The initial switch-on of the generator was hailed as a significant milestone. Dr. Francis Kaikai, former Minister of Planning and Economic Development and a native of Pujehun, celebrated the event as a major development milestone for the district. Similarly, the then Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Pujehun District, Madam Matilda Yayui Minah, highlighted the potential economic and social benefits that the electrification project promised to bring.

Unfulfilled Promises and Ongoing Struggles

Despite the initial celebrations and promises, the generator only provided electricity for a few hours before the town was plunged back into darkness. This brief illumination left residents disappointed and frustrated, as their hopes for consistent power were dashed. Since that day, the people of Pujehun have been waiting for a resolution to their power woes, likening their wait to an endless vigil.

 Persistent Issues and Community Impact

Despite the district's full support for the ruling government in the subsequent elections, securing all parliamentary and local council seats, Pujehun remains without reliable electricity. Many residents have had to revert to using alternatives like Tiger Generators, Chinese lights, candles, or locally made lanterns. Reports indicate that the low number of connected customers in Pujehun makes it challenging to generate sufficient funds for fuel. The 250 meters provided by the government were distributed mostly to affluent residents, leaving many average citizens unable to afford them.

 Calls for Action and Government Response

Suggestions have been made for district philanthropists, particularly government appointees, to provide meters for average residents to increase the customer base. Recently, Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh, who is also from Pujehun, conducted a WhatsApp poll to gauge preferred time intervals for generating electricity within an 8 to 10-hour daily period. Despite community participation, no positive updates have emerged, and the township remains in darkness.

 Financial Investments and Accountability

On April 20th, 2020, President Bio’s government disbursed Le66.4 billion Leones to contractors for electrification projects in seven districts, including Pujehun. This advance payment represented 30% of the contract prices for the transmission and distribution networks. The breakdown of the 30% advance payment by district is as follows:

- Kambia: Le7,096,260,616

- Kailahun: Le14,848,109,365

- Kabala: Le7,578,269,676

- Moyamba: Le8,956,293,430

- Mattru: Le11,775,016,854

- Bonthe Island: Le8,910,525,228

- Pujehun: Le7,231,007,715

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Despite the significant financial investments, the residents of Pujehun are left asking where the promised electricity is. The frustration and disappointment are palpable as the community continues to wait for the fulfillment of a promise that brought so much hope just a year ago. The residents of Pujehun call on the government and responsible parties to deliver on their promises and provide the sustainable electricity that was pledged.