The Minister of Energy and Water Resources has observed that his ministry has made some progress in the area of energy production.

According to Professor Ogunlade Davidson, the much anticipated Phase One of the Bumbuna Hydro Electricity Project will soon be commissioned. Professor Davidson was speaking during a visit of officials from the Public Sector Reform Unit (PRSU) and the Human Resource Management to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources.The visit was a management and functional review aimed at providing capacity for the ministry for improved service delivery. Professor Ogunlade Davidson said the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources lacked the capacity to function effectively on its own, as it is heavily dependent on assistance from parastatals under the ministry. He noted the need for the creation of an internal audit unit and the recruitment a legal expert, specializing in energy law to assist in monitoring parastatals and negotiating contracts. On the provision of potable water, the minister said there were plans for the construction of water treatment plants and additional facilities in the district headquarter towns. Regarding the possibility of a second dam in Freetown, considering the population explosion in recent years, Professor Davidson disclosed that work on the Orogu dam would soon be undertaken by the Chinese. On completion, he said the Orogu Dam would improve the water supply situation in the east-end of Freetown. The Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Dr Julius Sandy said the management and functional review was a productivity exercise that involves reviewing existing capacity and determining the next steps to maximize efficiency and improve service delivery.