Residents of Kankan, Guinea, have been experiencing significant disruptions in electricity supply for several weeks. The outages have been causing considerable inconvenience to households and impacting economic activities that rely on electricity. Many consumers have expressed their frustration, citing the irregularity of the power supply and the regularity of their electricity bills.

The situation has become particularly challenging in the evenings, with many households plunged into darkness while some streetlights continue to function. Residents have reported using dimly lit bulbs, fans coming to a halt, and families spending their evenings in the dark. Mohamed Sékou Chérif, a resident, expressed his disappointment with the Electricity Distribution Company of Guinea (EDG), stating that despite regular bill payments, the electricity supply has become increasingly unreliable.

The neighborhood of Timbo has also been severely affected, with residents recalling a time when electricity was available daily with stable voltage. Laye Kouyaté, a resident of Timbo, lamented the loss of a reliable power supply, citing the period when the grand imam Karamo Bangaly Kaba was alive as a time of consistent electricity. Since his passing, the area has experienced frequent outages and low voltage, making it difficult for residents to carry out their daily activities.

The disruptions have also impacted economic activities, particularly for small traders and professionals who rely on electricity to work. Mohamed Kaba, a hairstylist, receives most of his clients in the evening and has been forced to use a generator due to the repeated outages. He emphasized the need for a reliable power supply, especially during peak periods, to prevent his business from suffering further losses.

According to the regional EDG office in Kankan, the outages are attributed to the challenges posed by the high temperatures during this period of intense heat, which puts additional pressure on the electrical installations. The EDG has promised to work towards resolving the issue, but residents and economic actors continue to bear the brunt of the disruptions.

The situation has sparked frustration and disappointment among residents, who are calling for swift action from the EDG to restore a regular power supply. Until then, households and businesses will continue to adapt to the challenges posed by the recurring electricity outages. Residents are hopeful that the EDG will intervene promptly to alleviate their suffering.

The EDG's efforts to address the issue will be crucial in restoring normalcy to daily life in Kankan. Residents and businesses are eagerly awaiting a reliable power supply to resume their activities without interruption. The EDG's response will be closely watched as the situation continues to unfold.

Key points

  • The EDG attributes the outages to high temperatures putting pressure on electrical installations.
  • Residents and businesses are affected by the disruptions, with many calling for swift action.
  • The situation has sparked frustration and disappointment among residents.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.