Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella has announced the construction of a 30-kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage to provide a sustainable and uninterrupted electricity supply to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Headquarters in Freetown.
The announcement was made in the presence of the National Chairman of the SLPP, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, alongside senior party executives, stakeholders, and party faithful, during a gathering at the party’s national headquarters. Dr. Yumkella disclosed that the solar project, which is expected to be completed within two weeks, will guarantee a reliable 24-hour power supply, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity in the party’s administrative and political operations.
According to Dr. Yumkella, the initiative was prompted by appeals from the National Secretary General of the SLPP, Hon. Paran Tarawally, who had highlighted the need for uninterrupted electricity at the party’s headquarters in order to maximize operational efficiency.
“Light is life, and without reliable power, an office cannot function effectively. That is why, on behalf of my family, I am donating this 30-kilowatt solar system with battery storage to support the smooth and efficient running of the party’s headquarters,” Dr. Yumkella stated. He further noted that it was an honour to continue serving and supporting the SLPP, a tradition he said his parents upheld. “As a family, we will continue to support the SLPP,” he added.
In response, the National Chairman of the SLPP, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Yumkella on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as the National Leader of the SLPP, as well as the party’s executive and general membership. Chairman Songa described the gesture as one that would not only enhance the efficiency of the party’s leadership but also bring “light, joy, and excitement to the ordinary SLPP member.”
“Today, you have brought joy to the SLPP, and for that, we say thank you,” Chairman Songa remarked. He assured Dr. Yumkella that the solar system would be utilized responsibly and strictly for its intended purpose upon completion.
Hon. Paran Tarawally, who had earlier received the project materials, described the initiative as timely and transformative, noting that it would address the longstanding challenge of unstable electricity supply at the SLPP Headquarters. He expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Yumkella for what he termed a “generous and strategic contribution” to the party, and urged other stakeholders to emulate the gesture by supporting initiatives that strengthen the party as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.
The solar PV project represents not only an investment in clean and sustainable energy but also a strong demonstration of commitment to institutional strengthening, self-reliance, and forward-looking leadership. As the SLPP continues to consolidate its structures and prepare for the future, the initiative underscores a growing resolve among its leaders to align political vision with practical action in service of both the party and the nation.
