Despite the SLPP government of President Maada Bio spending billions of Leones on electricity generation and supply, citizens across Freetown continue to endure long hours of blackouts. For a government that promised stability and transformation in the energy sector, the current state of electricity is frustrating, disheartening, unbearable, and totally unacceptable.

Since they came to power in 2018, the SLPP administration has reshuffled energy ministers, retaining Karpowership. President Maada Bio himself stepped in to act as Minister of Energy, Kandeh Yumkella was brought in to help, and a host of other steps were taken; however, the lights remain off, inconsistent, and of low supply in many communities.

Small businesses are suffering, students are unable to study at night, and households are turning to expensive and environmentally unfriendly alternatives like generators and solar. While billions have been poured into the sector, the outcome remains poor, with frequent outages, low voltage, and an unstable power supply.

Has there been efficiency in the management of the energy sector? Don’t answer that…

Answer these: Why is the capital still in darkness? What happened to the billions spent? How many more ministers need to be changed before the people see results?