SIERRA Leone was thrown into turmoil on Friday as Energy Minister Kanja Sesay tendered his resignation amidst a protracted electricity crisis that has plagued the nation for weeks. The announcement coincided with the government’s disclosure of partial payments made to energy providers, offering a glimmer of hope amid the country’s power woes.
In his resignation letter, Minister Sesay assumed full responsibility for the electricity crisis, signalling accountability in the face of mounting public outrage. The decision reverberated across the political spectrum, prompting President Julius Maada Bio’s office to declare that the energy ministry would now operate under direct presidential oversight.
As the dust settled from Sesay’s departure, the government revealed a significant breakthrough, announcing the disbursement of $17 million to Turkey’s Karpowership, a key energy provider for Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. This payment, albeit partial, signalled progress in resolving the debt owed to Karpowership, which amounted to $48 million.
Confirming the receipt of the payment, a spokesperson for Karpowership expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘We are pleased to confirm that the power supply at full capacity to Sierra Leone has been restored.’ The restoration of electricity supply to Freetown brought relief to residents after enduring days of darkness and disruption.
Since mid-April, Freetown, along with other major cities like Bo, Kenema, and Koidu, had grappled with prolonged power outages, exacerbating hardships for citizens and straining essential services. Karpowership had previously downscaled electricity supplies due to outstanding payments, exacerbating the crisis.
The severity of the electricity crisis was underscored by reports of hospitals struggling to function amid the blackout. Doctor Jeredine George lamented the dire situation, revealing that at least one infant had succumbed to the blackout’s consequences at the main children’s hospital. Healthcare workers resorted to using mobile phone torches for medical procedures, underscoring the critical need for uninterrupted power supply.
In addition to payments to Karpowership, the government also disclosed a $1.5 million payment to TRANSCO-CLSG, another electricity provider serving the southern and eastern regions of the country. However, the total outstanding debt owed to TRANSCO-CLSG remains unconfirmed.
As Sierra Leone navigates through the aftermath of the electricity crisis and the resignation of its Energy Minister, the government’s partial payments offer a glimmer of hope for a nation grappling with the profound implications of power scarcity. Yet, challenges persist, demanding concerted efforts to address systemic issues and safeguard essential services for all citizens.