By Kadiatu A. Turay
The residents of Lungi, a town that serves as a gateway to Sierra Leone, are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing issues with the town’s light system. The lack of consistent and reliable electricity has not only disrupted daily life but has also raised serious concerns about safety, economic development, and overall quality of life.
For months, the town has experienced frequent power outages, with some areas going dark for days or even weeks. This has had a detrimental impact on businesses, especially small-scale enterprises that rely heavily on electricity for their operations. Many shop owners report a decline in sales, as customers are deterred by the lack of proper lighting in the evenings. The situation has also forced several businesses to close earlier than usual, further shrinking economic activities in the area.
In addition to the economic toll, the poor light system in Lungi has heightened security risks. Residents have reported an increase in criminal activities, particularly during the night when the town is plunged into darkness. Several community members have expressed their fear of moving around after dusk, citing concerns about their personal safety.
“We are living in constant fear. The streets are dark, and you can’t see who is coming behind you. The situation is getting worse every day,” said Mariatu Sesay, a resident of Lungi.
The unreliable power supply has also affected essential services, including healthcare. The Lungi Government Hospital, which caters to a large population, struggles to maintain operations during power cuts. Critical equipment often goes offline, and the hospital has had to rely on generators, which are expensive to run and not always available.
Local leaders and community members have repeatedly called on the government and electricity providers to address the situation, but little progress has been made. Many residents are now questioning the town’s future prospects if the light system continues to deteriorate.
“We need a permanent solution to this problem. Lungi is an important town, and it deserves better. We can’t keep living like this,” urged Mohamed Kamara, a community leader.
As the situation persists, the residents of Lungi remain hopeful that the government will take swift action to improve the light system and restore normalcy to their lives. Until then, they continue to grapple with the challenges posed by the inadequate power supply, hoping for a brighter future.