By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In the early hours of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Freetown Distribution Network experienced widespread technical failures, resulting in sectional power outages across multiple communities in the Western Area. The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has attributed the disruptions to severe weather conditions that affected critical components of the network.
According to an official statement from EDSA, the organization’s technical team has conducted a comprehensive assessment of the distribution infrastructure and has already commenced repair and maintenance work in the affected areas. The faults, described as extensive, have prompted a phased response strategy aimed at restoring power incrementally as technical issues are resolved.
Residents in numerous communities, including Youth Farm, Hastings, Grafton, Lumley, Babadorie, IMATT, Old School, Kuntorloh, Calabatown, Goderich, Sussex Village, Adonkia, Kissy, Wilberforce Village, and Fourah Bay Road, are among those expected to face intermittent power supply during the restoration period. Key public facilities and institutions such as the Lumley Health Centre, MMCET, the Bintumani Conference Centre and Hotel, SLBC, and various banks and government agencies within the Central Business District have also been affected.
EDSA emphasized that the gravity of the situation necessitates ongoing work, and while the team is working diligently, residents should anticipate intermittent outages in the short term. The authority urged residents in these communities to remain patient as the restoration efforts continue.
In an appeal to the public, EDSA called on individuals to report any additional faults that may not have been identified or listed in the current assessment. Faults can be reported by calling the EDSA helpline at 672 or by visiting nearby substations within their respective communities. This collaborative approach, the authority stated, is essential to achieving faster resolutions and minimizing the impact of the outages.
“We sincerely apologize to our valued customers for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen event,” EDSA stated. “Our teams are working around the clock to ensure that electricity supply is restored to all affected areas in the shortest possible time.”
The power outages come at a time when several institutions and households are already grappling with daily operational challenges. In some areas, residents have turned to backup generators and alternative sources of power to meet basic needs.
EDSA concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to providing reliable electricity services and enhancing the overall stability of the Freetown power distribution network. The authority expressed gratitude to the public for their continued patience and understanding, stressing that their cooperation is key to overcoming the current difficulties.
As restoration efforts progress, EDSA has promised to provide timely updates on the status of repairs and the timeline for full power restoration.
For the latest information, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official EDSA communication channels and local news outlets.
