The Current State of Electricity Supply in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 Is A Reflection of Weak Governance and Service Delivery

By David Yankay Sesay

In recent years, the government of Sierra Leone, through its energy sector, has faced mounting criticism for its inability to consistently provide reliable electricity to its citizens. The recent development of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) publishing a timetable for public electricity supply is, in itself, a clear indication of the government’s failure to deliver basic services effectively. This move, which may seem like an attempt to address the issue, highlights a larger systemic problem: a government that is struggling to meet the fundamental needs of its people.

Electricity, as we all know, is not a luxury it is an essential part of modern life. It powers homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and industries. For a country to thrive and for its economy to grow, reliable access to electricity is critical. The fact that EDSA has now resorted to releasing a timetable for when power will be available signals that Sierra Leoneans can no longer rely on the government to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Instead, citizens are left to plan their daily lives around an unpredictable and inconsistent energy supply. This isn’t just an inconvenience it’s a sign of ineffective governance, poor planning, and an inability to address the country’s infrastructure challenges.

As President Julius Maada Bio has often emphasized, his administration believes in upholding democratic principles and respecting the will of the people. While democracy is undoubtedly important, it should not be an excuse for inaction or failure to meet the basic needs of citizens. In his statements, President Bio has suggested that democratic principles may slow down his ability to effect change. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between political ideals and the pressing needs of the population. Electricity is not a political luxury or a negotiable democratic principle; it is a necessity.

Every Sierra Leonean deserves reliable access to electricity. The lack of it doesn’t just affect their daily lives; it stifles economic growth, impedes educational progress, and limits healthcare services. When a government cannot guarantee something as fundamental as electricity, it shows a lack of effective governance. The situation has reached a point where the government’s failure to address basic services speaks louder than political rhetoric or abstract democratic ideals.

In light of this, the government must reevaluate its approach to service delivery. While political leadership may face challenges in a democracy, ensuring essential services like electricity should never be compromised. For Sierra Leone to progress, the administration must prioritize solving the energy crisis and commit to making electricity accessible to all citizens, without the need for timetables or apologies. It is time for leadership that delivers on its promises and understands that the well being of the people is the true measure of a government’s success.