By Dabria Taylor & Sulaiman Aruna Sesay

As the electricity crisis (constant blackout) persists, The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) was left with no option but to ring the bell of apology. This apology was shown in a press release that was dated on the 16^th April, 2024. The release states: “We therefore apologize to residents of Freetown for the inconvenience this situation has caused and promise to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”

EDSA management cited that due to a number of concurrent unfortunate challenges along the energy supply chain they are challenged with providing adequate electricity to the Freetown network and would like its customers to know that this unfortunate situation has resulted in a reduced power supply and distribution to residents of Freetown.

The capital city of Sierra Leone, Freetown, has been plagued by frequent blackouts, significantly undermining the city’s economic and social fabric. The country’s power infrastructure is antiquated and poorly maintained, leading to severe power outages and forced electricity rationing.

Blackout is a major problem in Freetown, and it has had a significant impact on residents’ lives and livelihoods. The most common consequence is the absence of energy for basic needs such as cooking, lighting, and water pumping. Citizens have to rely on Chinese lights and other improvised light sources, which become dangerous when coupled with the country’s lack of proper safety regulations. This state of affairs not only constitutes a health hazard to the population but also increases the risk of fire outbreaks

As of September 2023, the government of Sierra Leone has passed on yet another challenge to its citizens, quite literally leaving them in the dark. The country, located on the western coast of Africa with well-known white beaches and an abundance of diamonds, is facing an electricity shortage due to its lack of domestic infrastructure and government corruption. As a result, thousands of citizens are without power in its capital city, Freetown.

The direct reason for Sierra Leone’s power shortages is the nation’s unpaid debts owed to the Turkish hydro-power company, Karpowership.

Many Sierra Leoneans rely on electricity to produce cooling through air conditioning systems, which is essential in their tropical, hot climate, and to produce the light in their homes. As thousands of Sierra Leoneans cope with record high heats and absolute darkness at night, many people are outraged, and have demanded answers from the government concerning its inability to pay for electricity.

In examining the events that have contributed to the power outages, it is evident that energy shortages are only one of the many issues caused by shortcomings of the government.

Power cuts in Sierra Leone have prevented the citizens of Freetown from reaching their optimal productivity. Unlike power outages in other West African nations, blackouts in Sierra Leone have lasted for weeks on end, subjecting households and businesses to long periods of darkness.

In a world dependent on electricity for day to day activities, the lack of electricity has disrupted many essential services, such as life-saving hospital care, education for its youth, and construction.

Sierra Leone’s $40 million debt to Karpowership came as a shock to many. The company’s move to cut off power has caused concern within the nation and on the international stage. Because the citizens are without substantial energy to power their homes, the severity of the situation puts more pressure on the government as citizens’ demand for answers in its energy deficits.

The Turkish Power company’s choice to cut off power has negatively affected citizens’ satisfaction with their government and diminished national pride.

Sierra Leone’s inability to alleviate any of its mounting debt overtime highlights financial struggles and the fiscal irresponsibility of the Sierra Leonean government.

Although Karpowership has cut off electricity to thousands of citizens, the Turkish power company cannot be faulted for its decision, however harsh the consequences may be.

Faced with increasing financial risk, and understanding of Sierra Leone’s finances, the decision to discontinue services was justified. This energy crisis has shown the citizens a direct consequence of a government that has failed in its responsibility to provide its citizens with essential services, therefore decreasing the legitimacy of the Sierra Leonean government. This lack of trust in the government is also reflected in the country’s score of 34 on the Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index.

The effective distribution of resources is hampered by corruption, specifically the mismanagement and the theft of money allocated for vital public services and infrastructure, such as electricity. For example, between 2014 and 2016, around $2 million USD in cash donations from the Red Cross, intended for use in the country’s Ebola crisis, was stolen by government officials and local bankers. Such scandals have persisted in shattering public confidence in the government and impeding the country’s growth.

The nation’s energy crisis is a symptom of a deeper disease: a culture of corruption and lack of transparency that has hindered progress and left its people in the dark. To create a prosperous future for Sierra Leone, the nation must reckon with the root cause of its problems.

As government officials impede efforts to enforce transparency, accountability, and ethical governance within Sierra Leone, they continue to thrive at the expense of the citizens they were appointed to serve. Until a change is made, citizens will continue to struggle with day to day tasks. With its abundance of natural resources and human capital, Sierra Leone has the potential for extreme long-run economic growth.

Electricity Distribution Supply Authority (EDSA) is lagging behind in providing consistent electricity supply to the people of Sierra Leone, despite the huge amounts of money that have been invested in the sector over the years. This has become a major concern for the citizens of Sierra Leone, who continue to face power outages that have had a significant impact on their daily lives and the country’s development.

The power sector in Sierra Leone has received billions of dollars in investment over the years, with the aim of improving the country’s electricity supply and reducing power outages.  Despite these investments, the country continues to face regular power shortages that have had a significant impact on businesses, hospitals, schools, and other critical sectors of the economy.

According to a press release that was published on the 28th January 2021 in Washington with the headline “More than 270,000 Sierra Leoneans to Get Better Access to Electricity,” the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved $50 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to improve access to electricity in Sierra Leone and enhance institutional capacity and commercial management of the sector. The release captured that, the project will also be co-financed with $2.7 million grant by the Japan Policy and Human Resource Development Fund. The million is “Does this money reflects the sector?” I beg the head of that institution to say a big “NO!” Because, if those funds are invested appropriately, we should have been far away in the area of electricity supply by now. It would also interest the readers to know that not only this money was received by EDSA.

Also, a report published on the 30th June 2022 says, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s (GoSL) goal of universal access to electricity by implementing the USD40+million Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP). RREP – funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)1 – is an ambitious electrification project that aims to provide access to off-grid solar electricity in rural communities in Sierra Leone. This impact evaluation report uses data collected during surveys in 2019 and 2021 to assess the short run results of the project. These are all funds that could have changed the face of that sector, but yet still people are suffering to get constant electricity supply.

There are various reasons why EDSA is lagging behind in supplying electricity throughout the country. One of the main reasons is the lack of adequate infrastructure. In many areas, the power infrastructure is outdated and unable to meet the growing energy demands of the country. This has made it difficult for EDSA to supply consistent electricity to all parts of the country, especially in rural areas. This has greatly affected the country’s economy, education, and health system. The blackout has plunged Sierra Leone into darkness, leaving many businesses, hospitals, and schools without electricity. So, of these huge funds especially from our donor partners, what does the future hold for Sierra Leone electricity supply?

The education sector has been severely affected by the blackout. Schools have been forced to close down temporarily due to the lack of electricity. This means that students are not able to attend classes, and teachers are unable to carry out their duties effectively. This situation has disrupted the academic calendar in many schools, and the students’ education has suffered as a result. This is a major concern, especially for students preparing for exams, as they have lost valuable time that would have been used for revision.

The blackout has also had a significant impact on businesses in Sierra Leone. Many businesses have had to shut down temporarily or reduce their operations due to the lack of electricity. This has led to a decline in sales and productivity, resulting in financial losses for many business owners. The situation has also affected the country’s economy, as the lack of electricity has disrupted the supply chain, making it difficult for companies to operate effectively.

The blackout has also had a significant impact on businesses in Sierra Leone. Many businesses have had to shut down temporarily or reduce their operations due to the lack of electricity. This has led to a decline in sales and productivity, resulting in financial losses for many business owners. The situation has also affected the country’s economy, as the lack of electricity has disrupted the supply chain, making it difficult for companies to operate effectively.

The health system has also been affected by the blackout. Hospitals and clinics are struggling to provide adequate medical care due to the lack of electricity. This has led to a delay in medical procedures and a shortage of medical supplies. In some cases, medical equipment such as generators has been rendered useless due to the lack of fuel, making it impossible to provide essential medical care. This situation has put many lives at risk, as patients are unable to receive timely medical attention.

The blackout in Sierra Leone has had a catastrophic effect on education, business, and the health system. The situation has exposed the country’s vulnerability to power outages and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure the provision of consistent electricity. The government needs to take urgent steps to address the situation and provide adequate infrastructure to support the functioning of schools, businesses, and hospitals. Additionally, it is vital for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable and effective solutions to mitigate the effects of power outages on the country’s economy, education, and health system.

Sierra Leone is endowed with potential diverse energy sources, e.g., solar, wind and hydro, but still has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world. According to Sustainable Energy for ALL (SEforALL) 2021, the national electrification rate is approximately 26 percent with approximately 6 percent accounting for access in rural areas. It is estimated that only five of the 16 District Headquarter Towns are partially supplied by a combination of small diesel units and mini hydropower plants. The electrification rate in the vast rural areas of the country is almost zero. This makes increasing the generation of electricity and improving the transmission and distribution network a national priority for the Government of Sierra Leone.

To be candid, until its corrupt culture declines, its citizens will continue to suffer at the hands of its leaders. Only a future of transparency and integrity can save Sierra Leone from its current trajectory.

In terms of economic activity, blackout poses a significant threat to businesses, leading to job losses and decreased productivity, significantly impacting urban development. The high cost of running generators, hiring guards to watch them, and replacing damaged or stolen equipment forces companies to reduce their operations, and the economy will suffer as a result. That high cost is also felt by consumers, who must pay more for goods and services as industries try to recoup their expenses.

Freetown’s power shortages impact the country’s infrastructure development negatively. A lack of proper electricity supply slows down construction projects and progress, further dragging down the economy by lowering the city’s worldwide appeal.

The constant power outages in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital city, have hindered development and emphasized the country’s poor infrastructure. In line with that, Sierra Leoneans especially business people have called H.E Bio to sack the above bosses. Citizens and businesses rely on expensive and hazardous makeshift lighting and power sources, driving up costs and increasing risks. The high cost of electricity also slows development, threatening to create a higher overall deficit. The Government of Sierra Leone must take a greater interest in addressing the country’s power crisis and finding alternatives to reduce a reliance on traditional means. Immediate and long-lasting remedies must be adopted to restore energy to the people and boost the economy.

Energy consumers drawn from mass private investments in Freetown and the surroundings have expressed serious dissatisfactions with government over the reversal pace in which power outage continues to affect their business. They believe it is a perpetual neglect for which they have resolved to take a legal action against the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). Businesses including manufacturing industries and factories that are heavily relied on energy for their smooth operations shared their resentments on the state of the energy situation in the country and have decided to join others in also taking legal against government for depriving them from accessing energy.

Scores of hoteliers and others engaged in hospitality businesses in Freetown, where investments and private homes are currently faced with acute power outage under the watch of the much talk about sham ‘energy revolution,’ expressed their disappointments at the manner in which government is handling the electricity supply situation.

Speaking to one of the victims of power cut in Freetown, a restaurant manager Samuel Palmer Conteh said; ‘We are not comfortable doing our businesses under the current energy sector management of failed Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Kanja Sesay and the bungling Director General of (EDSA), Dr. Joe-Lahai Sormana. It is unimaginable that we buy, install and recharge prepaid meters for utility based of fair usage, but we hardly get power in our homes and business places as if we are recharging for blackout. These gross violations and abuses of our rights to energy are unacceptable.  We shall soon seek legal redress by ways of taking action against the Ministry of Energy and EDSA management. We have all the rights to sue them to court for depriving us of our rights to access electricity supply,’ he said.

Another business owner Abdul Dassama, who spoke to this medium said; ‘With all the high killer energy tariffs we pay based on fair usage our businesses and homes are perishing in constant blackout. He observed that blackout and power outage have taken over regular power supply in Freetown. This, he said is something ‘we cannot continue to suppress anymore but to make a case for and our behalves in the court of law to get what deserve us as Sierra Leonean businesses and investments. We don’t have to endure with fabricated narratives of poor EDSA management and weak administration in the energy sector. That is not our business. All we are concerned about is the regular supplies of electricity to our homes and businesses rather than empty excuses. For all we know and have seen over the years with other mangers was that they provided us and our businesses with regular power supplies and not excuses of burnt transformers and copper cable theft by the very EDSA workers. We are no longer interested in listening to cooked up stories. We are in full tax compliances with revenue generation regulators. Whenever our taxes expire, we are required to renew then immediately without excuses and if that is done on our part then there is no electricity supply to power our businesses then we will run at lost at the end of the day. So, we are therefore calling on government and development to help us with permanent solutions to the energy challenges faced by the country with specific reference to Freetown and its surroundings.

Like other business operators who were engaged earlier by this medium, Santigie Sulaiman Fofanah, a vendor who trades in mobile phone accessories, power phones and power-banks at Manboreh Junction, Calaba Town, in the East of Freetown, divulged the difficulties associated with businesses amidst permanent power outage in his community. He exposes: “We take huge risks in all what we are doing as business people and end up running at lost. We recharge our prepaid meters but we don’t get power supplies as required by the laws of the country…”

At Banboreh Junction fast forwarding to Lower and Upper Allen Town, where light always comes in somehow selectively to the homes of those who are connected to the powers that be. For instance, there is regular power supply at certain areas of Lower Allen Town, especially in the homes and the surrounding community of the incumbent Sierra Leone People’s Party-SLPP East District Chairman, Manso Dumbuya. In fact, there can be light at his home and at the same time blackout or intermittent power supply in other areas in the same community, which is very much unfair. We have also noticed that his neighbourhood is the only area that gets electricity supply while others dwell in constant darkness. Fofanah added that the alarming energy cut situation has reached a peak that a slogan has been coined by residents of Lower and Upper Allan Town that refers to the SLPP East District Chairman as ‘EDSA for Manso Dumbuya.’ Residents of Allen Town observe that it seems as if EDSA regularly supply electricity to that part of Lower Allen Town only for Chairman Manso Dumbuya by way of giving him mere preference due to his political status.

An EDSA worker who has preferred anonymity, told FORUM NEWS that; ‘Most times we are urgently called by our bosses from Electricity House on Siaka Stevens and instruct us to switch on only the transfer that powers only Chairman Manso Dumbuya and his neighbours. We are always left with no options but to comply with the dictates of our superiors as ordinary workers but it is actually unfair to the rest of the community who end up suffering in darkness.’

However, considering the level of capital investment that has been done on the energy sector especially what goes to the Karpower Ship compared to growing poor performance of the sector is unbelievable. With these in mind and what seems to be on the lips of all and sundry is that government needs to restructure the sector starting with the replacement of political leadership at both the Ministry of Energy and at the EDSA because of their collective poor performance and failures to deliver regular power for the smooth operations of businesses and into private homes.