By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced that it will carry out inspections and corrective maintenance on the 33kV transmission line linking the Kingtom substation to the Wilberforce substation. The exercise, which began on Saturday, September 5, is expected to run for 13 days, concluding on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
In a public notice issued on Saturday, EDSA explained that the maintenance activities are part of efforts to strengthen the reliability and stability of electricity supply in Freetown. The authority emphasized that the inspection process may reveal further technical issues that could be addressed in future planned maintenance programs.
During the period of work, residents in several communities will experience intermittent power supply and a reduction in supply hours. Areas affected include Spur Road, Wilberforce, Imatt, Regent, Bathurst, Lumley, Atlantic Beach, Regent Road, Sheriff Drive, Malama, Pentagon, Juba, Goderich, Adonkia, Mambo, and Sussex.
EDSA has therefore urged customers in these areas to plan their activities carefully and take necessary precautions as the work progresses. “We encourage our valued customers to make adjustments to their daily routines during this period,” the authority advised.
The institution also assured the public that every effort will be made to minimize the impact of the outages. According to EDSA, the exercise is crucial for ensuring a more consistent electricity service in the long term. “These maintenance activities are critical to securing a stable and reliable supply of electricity for customers served by this line. We regret any inconvenience caused by the temporary interruptions,” the statement added.
EDSA acknowledged the challenges posed by frequent power outages across the country and said it remains committed to improving electricity distribution networks. It noted that corrective maintenance on major lines is one way of preventing unexpected breakdowns that could result in prolonged blackouts.
Residents in the affected areas have welcomed the announcement but also expressed concern about the inconvenience it may cause, especially for businesses that rely heavily on electricity for operations. Traders and shop owners along the Lumley–Goderich axis said they hope the work will result in tangible improvements to service delivery.
The 33kV Kingtom–Wilberforce line is one of the key power links in the capital, serving a large section of Freetown’s western suburbs. Technical teams are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the line, repair identified faults, and test its performance before completing the work.
EDSA concluded by reaffirming its dedication to improving electricity supply across the country. “We remain committed to strengthening our distribution networks to better serve our customers. While short-term inconvenience may occur, the long-term benefits will be more reliable power for homes, businesses, and communities,” the authority assured.
