AYV News, April 29, 2026
A coalition of civil society groups, journalists, Traders Union and Bike Riders Union is stepping up pressure on authorities to end Makeni’s prolonged blackout, as businesses across the city warn of mounting losses.
The Bombali Development Actors met with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) two weeks ago.
Power supply briefly stabilised within 48 hours of those talks, but the relief was short-lived.
Large parts of Makeni have since been left without electricity.
Local businesses are bearing the brunt. Restaurants, fisheries, water bottling plants, and traders dealing in perishable goods report severe financial strain. Some say they are now at risk of shutting down.
In its most recent push, the coalition held talks with Mayor Abu Bakarr Kamara, District Council Chairman Dr. Mohamed Sisay, SLPP District Chairman Alhaji Sorie Ibrahim Fofana, and Hon. Peter Yamba Koroma of the Bombali District Parliamentary Caucus.
The group then made an unannounced visit to EDSA’s Makeni office and convened an emergency meeting with EDSA and EGTC staff.
A follow-up meeting to chart a permanent resolution is set for Thursday, May 1.
Residents say Makeni and Magburaka were previously receiving 6.5 megawatts of power, but the current allocation has fallen to roughly 1.9 megawatts.
The drop has disrupted both social and economic life in the district.
EDSA and EGTC have yet to release a formal public statement explaining the cause of the shortfall or providing a timeline for full restoration.
