By Thaimu T Kamara
Residents of Rokupr community are enduring a challenging situation of blackout, following a devastating fire at the Power Leone facility that supplies electricity to the area. The fire, which reportedly was ignited by an unidentified individual, has left the community grappling with the consequences of prolonged darkness and disruptions to daily life.
According to local sources, the fire broke out on January 11, leading to significant damage to essential equipment around the power house. Power Leone, the primary electricity supplier for Rokupr and surrounding areas, confirmed the incident but has not yet provided a timeline for restoration of service.
Community members expressed their frustration over the lack of information and support during this crisis. “We rely on electricity for almost all aspects of our lives from business to studying and staying connected with loved ones,” said local trader, Fatmata Kamara. “It’s unacceptable that we are left in the dark without any clear communication from Power Leone.”
The extended blackout has also raised concerns about safety and security in the community. Residents are worried about potential increases in crime during the nighttime hours when visibility is limited. “We need the lights back on, not just for convenience but to feel safe in our own homes,” said resident Abdulai Bah.
In response to the growing discontent, Power Leone has promised to dispatch a team of engineers to the site to assess the damage and expedite repairs. However, many residents remain skeptical, citing previous delays in service restoration following outages.
Local authorities are urging calm as investigations continue into the cause of the fire. They have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “We urge community members to help us identify the individuals responsible for this act of negligence,” said Councillor Abu Baker Gbeteh Kamara. “Vandalism against our infrastructure is a crime that impacts us all.”
As the community waits for a resolution, residents are banding together to support one another during this difficult time