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The management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has assured the public that electricity supply would return to normalcy before the end of this week.
This is according to the Strategic Communications Unit under the Ministry of information and Communication.
Over the past few weeks, Freetown have been in constant blackout, leading residents to voice their frustration and disappointed with the electricity providers.
EDSA alluded the electricity shortage in the capital as a result of technical problems the Turkish Karpowership is currently faced with.
However, many residents though that the constant lack of electricity is unacceptable, judging from the monies International financiers have been investing into the electricity sector.
“Every year, we hear and read in the news about millions of dollars being allocated to the energy sector. What are they really doing with those monies,” Joseph Lebbie, a Freetown resident said.
In January last year, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $50 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to improve access to electricity in Sierra Leone and enhance institutional capacity and commercial management of the sector.
The project intended to provide electricity to approximately 276,000 people and about 700 health facilities and schools and help cut an average of 15,135 tons Greenhouse Gas emissions per year.
“Only 23% of Sierra Leonean have access to electricity, which is below the Sub-Saharan average of 30%. The gap in infrastructure is not only impacting people’s welfare and ability to access services, it is also severely impeding on competitiveness, job creation and poverty reduction. Private companies mention inadequate electricity provision as a major cause for high costs, disrupted production, and reduced profitability,” World Bank stated.
