Residents of Calaba Town and Wellington in Freetown have accused some staff of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) of demanding financial assistance before restoring electricity to their areas. The allegations emerged from residents of several communities in eastern Freetown, who have experienced irregular electricity supply for about a month. Electricity is sometimes unavailable for three consecutive days before returning for approximately 30 minutes on the fourth day.
The residents further alleged that the supply then fluctuates repeatedly, switching on and off before being cut off again for another three days. This irregular supply has caused significant disruptions to daily life in the affected communities. The residents claim that some EDSA workers have been demanding financial contributions from them to provide electricity, raising concerns about whether the alleged requests are connected to the prolonged and inconsistent power supply.
The affected communities include Sayinor, Gassama Street, Matokoh, Consider Lane, Natco, and other hilly areas in eastern Freetown. Residents have called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, particularly the conduct of staff operating under EDSA’s Wellington PMB and Portee areas. They also expressed concern over whether EDSA’s leadership, headed by Cyril Grant, is aware of the alleged practices.
The residents are urging the authorities to investigate the matter, ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established, and address the persistent electricity supply problems affecting their communities. They emphasized the need for a reliable and consistent electricity supply, which is essential for daily life and economic activities. The allegations against EDSA workers have raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
EDSA is responsible for distributing and supplying electricity to communities in Sierra Leone. The authority’s leadership and staff are expected to provide reliable and efficient services to the public. However, the allegations against some EDSA workers have raised questions about the authority’s ability to manage the electricity supply effectively.
The Ministry of Energy and other relevant authorities have been urged to take action to address the allegations and restore a reliable electricity supply to the affected communities. The residents are hopeful that the authorities will investigate the matter and take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the provision of public services.
At the time of writing, EDSA’s response to the allegations was not available. The authority’s leadership and staff have yet to comment on the allegations, and it remains to be seen how the matter will be addressed. The residents of the affected communities are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the issue and a return to a reliable electricity supply.
Key points
- Residents of Freetown communities accuse EDSA workers of demanding money to restore electricity
- The allegations have raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power within EDSA
- The residents are urging the authorities to investigate the matter and restore a reliable electricity supply
