Post a comment 
Residents of Kambia Town have expressed deep frustration and disappointment after a much-publicized “switch-on” ceremony for the town’s new transformer failed to deliver the long-promised electricity.
Despite assurances from officials that power would be supplied immediately after activation, the entire township remains in darkness raising serious concerns about the management and credibility of the electrification project.
During the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, who is overseeing the project, announced that the transformer had been successfully switched on. However, he later admitted that no power could reach homes due to what he described as “bad workmanship by the former contractors.” “The first place we done light am but we nor able send the current inside the town because of bad workmanship,” Dr. Yumkella explained.
The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over what many residents see as a long history of failed promises. For decades, Kambia District has struggled with electrification efforts plagued by poor planning, delayed implementation, and technical faults. Locals said they had been told repeatedly that electricity would soon reach their homes, only to be let down once again.
“They said they would switch the light on, but we waited and nothing happened,” lamented one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. Another frustrated local added, “Every time they promise power, nothing changes. It feels like a scam.”
Reports from Concerned Citizens for Accountability in the Energy Sector allege that only one household briefly received power during the ceremony, while 200 prepaid meters meant for the project remain uninstalled. The group further questioned the purpose of holding a launch when the infrastructure was not ready, describing the event as “a performance dressed up as progress.”
“How can 200 meters light up 30,000 homes?” the group asked in a statement. “This was not development it was a political show staged to score points, not to bring power to the people.”
Dr. Yumkella has pledged to address the technical issues and ensure the project’s completion, but for many Kambia residents, confidence in the process is already fading.
As the town remains shrouded in darkness, the people’s patience continues to wear thin. What was meant to be a historic night of light has instead become a symbol of broken promises and political showmanship leaving many to wonder when, if ever, Kambia will truly see the light it has been promised for so long.
