Bumbuna – What is the true story?

The problem with success and power is that very few people are willing to bring weaknesses and or failures, to criticize the successful character. Rather the masses, particularly his/her supporters would only bring up stories which would flatter their leader.  (Photo: Dr. Sama Banya)

Presidents and heads of government are particularly vulnerable to the vulgar practice of many times undeserved praise.  The opposition on the other hand often do their thing with glee, which provokes resentment and even rude comments  from the leader’s supporters. These latter in their blind, or as Brima Sannoh would put it, primitive loyalty would never appreciate that their action is more of a disservice. His Excellency told the people of Upper Bambara chiefdom during his recent tour of the Kailahun district in his usual humourous way  that he would like “his uncle” Dr. Banya to advise him wisely so as to enhance his chance of reelection in 2012. I have not faltered in carrying out my “nephew’s” wish. May be we differ in style in that I believe that my constant and I am sure, constructive criticisms if taken seriously would help the President far better than his praise singers would ever achieve.

Take the case of Bumbuna as an example; when it was announced a couple of months before its commissioning, and following repeated on-sight visits to the project by the President, an expert gave an opinion which only those publications that are renowned for calling things by their proper names with the APC carried the note of caution sounded by him; publications like the Democrat, New Vision and New People on-line newspapers were vilified. The man had cautioned against rushing to commission the project simply for the purpose of meeting a deadline. He advised that although the dam was operational, it was not at the stage of being commissioned; more work needed to be done but that if they insisted, the government could go ahead. The author and the publications were derided by the pro government press. Bumbuna was commissioned with great fanfare and continues to be the single success story and showcase of the APC. President Koroma had brought a city out of darkness to one of light and the country was on the threshold of industrialization. We in the opposition were said to be envious of EBK’s success, an achievement which all previous rulers had failed to deliver.

But from the outset, Freetown was NOT RECEIVING THE CLEAN AND UNINTERRUPTED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY as had been trumpeted. It was much later before it was announced that only one of the two 25MW turbines was operating because NPA was not logistically ready to receive the full load. Ask the people of the east end of Freetown what they’ve been going through. As if that was not disappointing enough the NPA announced that the turbine would be shut down for overhaul and general maintenance for seven days. The Kabbah Tigers resurfaced. At that stage I travelled out of the country; coming back after a month, the situation has not improved and has even got worse in areas like mine where we have resorted to generators almost every night, certainly up to midnight. Recently I urged the Minister of Energy and Water to make a statement but I have heard none. And now I hear mumblings that the water level in the dam is low. so here we are, with Freetown’s rumour mills churning out reasons why Bumbuna ain’t what its supposed to be. And still no official statement.

As an epilogue to my Thursday’s “WELL, I NEVER!” would the editor of the African champion collect a more flattering photograph of me than the one which it and the For-di-People prefer to publish. May you all have a blessed weekend and stay blessed.

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