Freetown, Sierra Leone: Unfair rationing of erratic and unreliable electricity supply

In Sierra Leone, solar lights are being installed around the country and extended to some provincial towns as well.  But what is happening to the National Power Authority (NPA) that provides electric power supply to Freetown and its periphery?  For weeks on end there has been no electricity in some areas and people are resorting to using coal goose (iron), charcoal, and firewood for domestic use that are prone to fire hazards that could destroy valuable properties and lives.  The government’s propaganda machine had earlier told us that the hydroelectric power supply at Bumbuna is now fixed and up and running again.  Are they speaking from both sides of their mouth?  Among APC campaign promises includes the restoration of electricity to regular mode, nationwide, but that’s not so.  While some areas get regular power supply without interruption, several others endure incessant blackouts, and the cost of living and doing business is getting more expensive.  (Photo: Roland Marke, author)

Generators have to be put to work, not as stand by units, but an acceptable form of reliable power supply.  Yes, Kabba tigers are back at work full force and they consume more fuel, amid the cost of runaway fuel prices.  Is this the agenda for prosperity designed only for the elected, selected and connected?  I challenge government officials to dispute this indictment.  Our people are tired of lies, propaganda and economic strangulation of the poor, who deserve a better life and future.  Does one need to be connected to enjoy regular electricity in Sierra Leone?  Difference between new APC and old APC is a mere change of guards.  I see no difference.  Neighboring Guinea has four working power stations that provide better electric service to its people.  With our presumed superior educational system that turns out many engineers yearly, we still can’t get the provision of dependable power supply right.  What else could we get right?  But high bills are still sent out.  I see incompetence and selfishness at play here.  Don’t tell me that things were worse off under SLPP rule.  For that’s why APC was elected to do a better job.  They are accountable to the people who gave them the mandate of another five years to rule.  Setting the bar low in making blind excuse insults one’s intelligence. The people are demanding government to do its work of serving the best interest of the people.

Freetown is already congested and the increasing use of all types of generators in providing electricity, the danger and menace of pollution of the environment is a serious health concern, especially for the poor who can ill afford to feed themselves, more so getting access to affordable health care that’s a luxury not a necessity.  Several occurrences of fire caused by lamps, candles and other naked flames continue to plague the nation when these accidents are easily preventable.

The voice of the people must be heard and cannot be drowned in party politics when it comes to bread and butter issues and the duties of the government in providing basic essential services that make life less stressful and convenient.  Kelvin Doe, Sierra Leone’s teen genius even mentioned in his interview when he visited United States that power supply in his neighborhood is erratic and unreliable.  How could this society nurse and blossom the promotion of a genius with such a creative, scientific and technological mind?  There is so much hustling going on in government, lobbying for jobs that the government picks its loyalists rather than the best-qualified personnel for the jobs available.  While the passion and desire to anchor the grip on power so soon after the elections never ceases to amaze me.

Why the debate on constitutional amendment and the quest or idea of a third term of APC rule when elections were just held and the people’s business is left unattended and drowned in distractions.   Am I reading the mind of our politicians more deeply than it deserves?  Probably not as many ordinary folks share the same views and are very concerned too.  If all the big guns were experiencing the same menace and agony of the common people with regards to electricity malfunction and unfair rationing of this scare commodity, then this issue would have been rectified long ago.

We need to remind all elected leaders that they should be servants of the people not masters and lords over those who own the political capital to kick them out of office as fast as they got in.  The world is watching and the people are very angry and impatient, watching this saga go on indefinitely.  Prompt action and effective communication is what it takes to solve this burning issue.  But who will listen and act accordingly?

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