By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Lungi, the gateway to Sierra Leone through its international airport, continues to grapple with severe electricity shortages, leaving residents frustrated and struggling. Despite its strategic importance, Lungi’s power supply situation has become nothing short of deplorable.
For a while, residents received six hours of electricity daily, typically from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am. Even then, this was barely enough to meet the demands of families, businesses, and students who rely on electricity for basic needs. The irregularity of this power supply was another issue, with constant complaints about its unpredictable nature. Sometimes, even the six hours were cut short, leaving people in darkness without warning.
In a surprising and frustrating development, Lungi’s power supply has now been reduced further to just three hours, from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am. This has added to the hardship already faced by residents. Those who depend on electricity for their livelihoods, like traders, workers, and students, are particularly affected. Students preparing for exams have been forced to study in darkness, while traders who rely on light to continue business in the evening hours have seen their income drastically reduced.
Electricity, as we all know, plays a vital role in the daily lives of citizens. For school-going pupils, a stable power supply is essential for studying after dark. Traders and workers also depend on it to ensure their productivity and security. Yet, Lungi, despite being home to the nation’s international airport, has been left in the shadows.
A pressing question remains: Why are towns like Lunsar, Makeni, Freetown, and Bo enjoying a more stable and reliable power supply, while Lungi continues to suffer from neglect? As other regions bask in consistent electricity, Lungi has been deprived, forcing its residents to wonder why they are being left behind. This disparity only fuels the frustration of the people who see no valid reason for the unequal distribution of such a vital resource.
The struggle for reliable electricity in Lungi raises questions about the commitment of the government and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) in providing adequate power to this critical area. Residents are calling for urgent action to address the worsening situation, as electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for development and everyday life.
It is high time for authorities to pay attention to the cries of Lungi residents and provide the much-needed electricity supply to improve their quality of life and boost the town’s potential as the nation’s international gateway.