04/06/2026
MoPED’s Resettlement Directorate Supervises ESLEAP Sensitization and PAP Verification Exercise for Fadugu–Kabala Power Distribution Project
Koinadugu District, Sierra Leone – The National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD) of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) is supervising a four-day community sensitization and verification exercise for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project (ESLEAP), which is supporting the implementation of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project in Koinadugu District.
The exercise, which commenced in Fadugu, brought together 151 Project Affected Persons from 22 communities along the Fadugu–Kabala corridor. It forms part of preparatory activities for the construction of a 33kV electricity distribution line from the 225/33kV Fadugu Substation to Kabala, including the installation of a substation in Kabala Township.
The sensitization and verification process aims to ensure that affected communities are adequately informed about the project, their rights and entitlements, and the compensation arrangements for persons whose assets or properties may be impacted by the project. It also seeks to verify the identities of affected persons, assess affected assets, and confirm ownership and occupancy rights in line with national resettlement requirements and international safeguard standards.
The engagement brought together officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA)-hosted project implementation team, representatives of the National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate, traditional authorities, community stakeholders, Project Affected Persons, and residents from communities along the project corridor.
Opening the engagement in Fadugu, community representatives welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with project officials. They noted that improved access to electricity would contribute significantly to economic growth, social development, and improved living conditions across the district.
Project officials provided an overview of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project and outlined the scope of works for the proposed distribution line connecting Fadugu and Kabala. Participants were informed of the project’s expected benefits, including expanded access to reliable electricity, support for local businesses, improved service delivery, and enhanced socio-economic opportunities for communities in the district.
A key component of the engagement focused on the Entitlement and Compensation Package for Project Affected Persons. The project’s technical and safeguards team, led by Senior Environmental Specialist, Senesie Fullah, and Social Safeguards and Gender Specialist, Augusta Berewah, explained the various categories of entitlements available to PAPs and the procedures that would guide compensation payments.
The team emphasized that compensation would be based on verified losses and affected assets and assured community members that the process would be conducted transparently and fairly. Participants were also sensitized on available grievance redress mechanisms through which complaints and concerns could be raised and addressed throughout the project cycle.
The verification team further explained the purpose and methodology of the verification exercise, stressing that the process was intended to validate information collected during previous assessments. The exercise includes confirming affected assets, ownership claims, occupancy rights, and beneficiary details to ensure that only eligible persons receive compensation and support under the project.
Speaking during the engagement, NDIRD Deputy Director, Dennis Macfoy, introduced members of the Ministry’s delegation and conveyed greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. He underscored the importance of community participation and cooperation in ensuring a credible and transparent verification process.
Mr. Macfoy noted that accurate verification is a critical step in protecting the rights of Project Affected Persons and ensuring compliance with the provisions of Sierra Leone’s resettlement framework. He encouraged residents to provide accurate information and actively engage with the verification teams to facilitate a smooth implementation process.
Traditional authorities, section chiefs, and local leaders welcomed the project and pledged their full support for both the verification exercise and the broader implementation of the power distribution project. They called on residents to cooperate with project officials and to utilize established grievance channels where necessary.
Community stakeholders also encouraged affected persons to participate fully in the exercise, emphasizing that transparency, honesty, and collaboration would help ensure that compensation and resettlement processes are conducted fairly and efficiently.
The engagement resulted in increased community awareness of the project’s objectives, a clearer understanding of entitlement and compensation procedures, and improved appreciation of the verification process among affected persons and local leaders.
The verification and sensitization exercise is being conducted on a community-by-community basis across the project corridor and is expected to conclude in Kabala Township, covering the remaining affected communities.
At the close of the sessions, participants expressed support for the project and welcomed the continued involvement of the National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate in safeguarding the interests of affected communities. Both project officials and community representatives commended the constructive dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that project implementation proceeds in a transparent, inclusive, and socially responsible manner.
The Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project is expected to significantly improve electricity access in Koinadugu District, contributing to national efforts to expand energy infrastructure and accelerate socio-economic development in underserved communities across Sierra Leone.
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