During a town hall meeting currently ongoing in Makeni, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has called on residents to stop electricity theft and ensure regular payment of electricity bills, warning that the government is losing significant revenue from power consumption in the area.
President Bio stated that about 60–70% of the electricity consumed in Makeni is not generating revenue for the government, as many users are allegedly not paying for the service. He therefore appealed to residents to take responsibility by paying their electricity bills, noting that this would enable the government to, in turn, meet its obligations to energy suppliers.
He further expressed concern over widespread power losses and inefficiencies in the electricity sector, describing the situation as a major challenge to national development.
The President also referenced past issues related to power management in Makeni, including the use of standby generators and efforts to supply electricity to key facilities such as the airport. He noted that misunderstandings and public resistance in the past had contributed to setbacks in the sector.
President Bio, who previously served as Minister of Energy, said his experience in the sector exposed him to the deep-rooted challenges affecting electricity delivery in the country. He emphasized that energy remains a key driver of economic growth and warned that persistent losses and theft in the system undermine national development.
He concluded by urging citizens to support reforms in the energy sector and work with government to improve electricity supply and accountability.
