By Forum staff write
Residents of Kissy Village in Freetown are preparing for a peaceful demonstration after enduring seven consecutive days without electricity, a situation that has disrupted daily life and deepened frustration across the community.
What residents initially believed to be a temporary outage has now developed into a serious concern, with many questioning the response of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority. The prolonged blackout has affected homes, businesses and essential services, leaving the community in growing distress.
Locals have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, accusing the institution of poor communication and lack of urgency. According to several residents, there has been no official statement or update explaining the cause of the outage or when power will be restored. This silence has fueled anger, with many interpreting it as a sign that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
For traders and small business owners, the impact has been immediate and costly. Many rely on electricity to preserve goods such as cold drinks, water and food items. Without refrigeration, perishable products have spoiled, forcing sellers to either incur losses or shut down their operations temporarily. Some business owners say the blackout has wiped out their daily income, placing additional strain on already struggling households.
The situation has also raised wider concerns about access to basic services. Residents say electricity is essential to modern life and should not be treated as a luxury. They argue that communities like Kissy Village deserve reliable power supply just as much as other parts of the country.
Frustration has been heightened by the timing of the crisis. As Sierra Leone marks 65 years of independence, some residents say the continued lack of basic infrastructure reflects deeper challenges in governance and service delivery. There is a growing sense within the community that their needs are being overlooked.
Community leaders have begun mobilizing residents to stage a demonstration aimed at drawing national attention to the issue. Organizers say the protest will be peaceful but firm, with a clear message calling for accountability and immediate restoration of electricity. They emphasize that the action is not intended to create unrest but to ensure that their voices are heard.
Calls for intervention have also been directed at the management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, with residents urging swift action to address the outage. Many believe that clear communication and timely updates could have eased tensions, even if the technical problem persists.
Despite the hardship, there remains a sense of unity among residents, who continue to support one another while waiting for a solution. Some households have turned to alternative sources of light, while others have had to adjust their routines to cope with the situation.
As plans for the demonstration take shape, the people of Kissy Village say they are determined to press for change. Their demand is simple: reliable electricity, transparent communication and a level of service that reflects their rights as citizens.
Until power is restored, the community remains on edge, hopeful that their concerns will prompt swift action and bring an end to the prolonged blackout.
