Freetown Goes Dark Again!

The city of Freetown grapples with an unwelcome visitor each evening—darkness. Residents face a daunting reality as the sun sets, plunging the city into blackout mode. Generators roar to life, and flickering candlelight becomes a common sight in households, marking the ongoing struggle against persistent power outages that have plagued the city for months.

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) cites insufficient generation capacity and maintenance issues as the culprits behind these prolonged blackouts. Yet, for the city’s inhabitants, these explanations offer little solace as they endure hours without electricity.

Mariatu Sesay, a mother of three, articulates the challenges faced by many. “It’s been a real struggle,” she shares. “Cooking on a gas stove and relying on candlelight isn’t easy, especially with children.”

Abdul Kamara, a small business owner, laments the severe impact on his livelihood. “Operating without electricity has halted my business. Customers have vanished, and I lose money every day,” he laments.

For university student Fatmata Koroma, the blackout disrupts her studies. “I rely on electricity to study. Charging my phone and accessing online resources becomes a challenge,” she reveals.

Even the medical sector reels from the outage. “Our hospital struggles to function without electricity,” admits Dr. James (pseudonym). “Generators are unreliable, forcing us to turn away patients.”

Safety becomes a concern for residents like Hawa Bangura, who live alone in the dark. “I fear for my safety without electricity,” she confesses. “It’s worrying—unable to see, defend, or prevent potential break-ins.”

Businesses, too, feel the pinch. “Spoiled food due to lack of refrigeration adds to our losses,” says Abdul Rahman, reflecting the impact on businesses.

Freetown residents are calling on EDSA for urgent action to restore reliable electricity. Until then, reliance on generators, candles, and flashlights remains their only recourse. The situation has become untenable, demanding swift measures to bring light back to the city’s streets.