AYV News, February 20, 2025
In a calm social media exchange, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the country’s former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzerald Kamara (JFK) pick bones on the country’s energy status.
In one of his posts, JFK said: “Our country is covered under a canopy of darkness. We grope in the dark to bathe, drive through pitched darkness, and alas, to work, in the dark. They promised us light, but delivered a blanket of darkness. They promised bread and butter, but delivered skeletons and bones”.
Responding to his comment, the Chief Minister said: “Are you sure, sir? Let’s talk data. There are more Sierra Leoneans with access to energy than ever before. Let’s not take our privilege for granted. Go to Kono, Moyamba, Kailahun, and chiefdom headquarter towns. More local rice produced, flour and oil mills, onion, and more. Are you sure?”
In addition, Dr. Sengeh informed that his government has expanded transmission capacity to 120MW from 80 in the Western Area, adding that now, once generation catches up with ongoing investments, those meters will be blinking steadily. He said that is growth, it does not happen in a day.
Lately, Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, has been experiencing significant power outages, which have left key facilities in darkness.
Notably, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) headquarters and the offices of both Deputy Ministers of Energy are affected, resulting in a total blackout. The situation is especially concerning at Connaught Hospital, the city’s primary referral hospital, which is also in complete darkness.
This widespread power outage has prompted concerns about the impact on critical services and public safety.
