By Josephine Sesay
The frequent house fires caused by bad electricity supply in Sierra Leone are devastating issue that cannot be ignored any longer. Families are losing their homes, their possessions, and, in some cases, even their loved ones, due to electrical faults and poor power quality. This is a crisis that has taken a personal toll on many and demands urgent attention from the Ministry of Energy and the utility company responsible for electricity in the country.
One cannot help but feel a deep sense of sorrow for the families who have been victims of these fire outbreaks. These are not just buildings that are destroyed, they are homes filled with memories, places where dreams are built. The pain and frustration of losing everything in an instant is unimaginable. Worse still, the damage is often caused by something entirely preventable the frequent fluctuations, surges, and faults in the power supply that result in electrical fires.
The recurring problem of “bad light” where the power supply is unstable, surges, or experiences outages without warning has become a silent killer. For years, citizens have been living with unreliable electricity, unsure when or if the next power surge will cause a disaster. Families have had to deal with broken appliances, damaged electronics, and now the devastating consequences of fires that destroy entire homes.
This situation is not just an inconvenience; it is a life-altering crisis. Families who have lost their homes due to electrical fires often find themselves stranded, with nowhere to turn for immediate help. These families are forced to rebuild their lives from scratch, often with limited support. The loss of homes is not just financial; it is emotional and psychological, affecting people on multiple levels.
The Ministry of Energy and the responsible authorities must urgently address the power quality issue. The lack of consistent and stable electricity supply should no longer be treated as a minor inconvenience or an accepted fact of life. It is time for decisive action to ensure that the lives of Sierra Leoneans are not placed in jeopardy every time they switch on a light or plug in an appliance.
There must be increased investment in the country’s electricity infrastructure, as well as regular maintenance to prevent faulty wiring and power fluctuations. The authorities must also introduce public awareness campaigns to help citizens understand how to mitigate risks from electrical fires, while simultaneously prioritizing the upgrade and maintenance of the national grid to ensure safer power delivery.
In addition, there should be clearer regulations and stronger enforcement when it comes to electricity safety standards. Power companies and electricians should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of the electrical systems they install, with stringent penalties for negligence. The government must ensure that the infrastructure responsible for electricity distribution is thoroughly inspected and upgraded, with a focus on preventing faults that could lead to disastrous fires.
The frequent house fires caused by poor electricity supply are not just a minor inconvenience they are a tragedy. They are taking a heavy toll on the lives of Sierra Leoneans, and enough is enough. It is time for the government and electricity authorities to take concrete action to address the “bad light” problem, ensure the safety of citizens, and prevent the heartbreaking losses that families continue to endure. The nation deserves better, and it is high time that those responsible take action to prevent these avoidable disasters.