By: Sulaiman Stom Koroma.
Freetown has been grappling with a persistent and extensive blackout, which at this point I will refer to as a ‘crisis’ that has been preponderant for the past years. It is now visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that the lack of consistent electricity supply has resulted in significant blackouts and by extension has transmogrified into hardships and suffering for the people of Freetown.
The ongoing power outage situation in Freetown has created numerous challenges across all aspects of daily life- businesses, education, healthcare, and the overall quality of life of us living here.
In a country where people embark on day-to-day sales of their products, businesses, and trade have been hit hard by the power cuts not only leading to financial losses and reduced productivity but also spoilage as many enterprises, particularly small-scale establishments, heavily rely on electricity for the preservation of their markets, especially perishable goods. Frequent power outages disrupt their storage facilities to function smoothly, hampering sales, and preservation and hindering economic growth.
Education has also been adversely affected as lack of power makes it difficult for students to effectively study, and access materials online, thus further widening the educational gap. Year in and year out internal and external examinations continue to be a challenge for which the lack of electricity has played a role.
The healthcare sector is another area directly impacted by the prolonged power outages. Times without number, we have heard stories of babies dying in incubators, the light going during operations, and doctors using manual lights when administering treatments to their patients. Hospitals and clinics rely on a stable power supply to operate essential medical equipment, preserve vaccines, and provide adequate care to patients. Without consistent electricity, medical professionals face immense challenges in delivering critical services, endangering the well-being and lives of individuals seeking medical assistance.
As a victim whose one week sauce, TV, refrigerator, and lights have been destroyed by either power outage or sudden give and take of electricity. Even on the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ and the day of his birth, there was a power outage.
The government of Sierra Leone must prioritize finding a sustainable solution to this grave issue. It is imperative to invest in the upgrading and expansion of the existing power infrastructure, explore renewable energy sources, and establish effective maintenance systems to ensure a consistent electricity supply for Freetown and by extension the country.
Addressing the power outage crisis will not only improve the lives of the city’s residents but also contribute to fostering economic growth, enhancing education, and providing better healthcare services. The people of Freetown urgently need relief from the darkness that has shrouded their city for far too long.
