Sierra Leone - The Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project

The hydro power plant is of strategic importance for Sierra Leone. The project supplies Sierra Leone with the least cost option for addressing the energy shortage, and supplies a much needed infrastructure on which the country rely to build development projects. The hydro-power plant relieves the country from the burden of heavy expenses by reducing the need for diesel fuel for production of electricity. Of 5 ongoing projects financed by the Bank, 2 are potentially problematics (Agriculture sector rehabilitation and Strengthening District Health Services). The Sierra Leone Infrastructure Development Fund (SLIDF), a joint trust fund of DFID and World Bank which covers a program for investments in the energy sector, a policy framework and regulation methodology for rural electrification and technical assistance was created to sustain the hydro power plant, a suitable path for business development.