The Management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced power shortages in 21 areas across Freetown due to heavy rainfall. In a public notice issued today, the Authority informed the general public that the heavy downpour has caused significant disruptions in the power supply network, resulting from fallen poles, cut wires, and sparks on distribution lines.
In an effort to mitigate the outages, EDSA has deployed technical staff to the affected communities to undertake repairs and maintenance. The aim is to restore power as soon as possible. However, the Authority noted that the ongoing repairs and maintenance cannot be completed by the close of business today, July 22, 2024.
The affected areas include:
Sierra Light House and surroundings
Between Mandallay substation and POW
National Stadium and surroundings
Kinbima Hotel and surroundings
YOUYI Building
George Brook to New England Ville
Tengbeh town
Murray town
Rawdon street
Government wharf
Savage Square to PCMH
Tower Hill to FBC and beyond
Circular road by the cemetery
Eastern police to Savage Square
Eastern Police to PCMH
Foreign Affairs to Ordinance Yard
Wilberforce (partial disruption)
Hill station to Choithram Hospital
Slof by Kissy Dock yard
Kaningo (partial disruption)
Atlantic to FIH (Freetown International Hospital)
EDSA assured citizens that they would do everything possible to complete the repair work by tomorrow, July 23, 2024, and apologized for the inconvenience caused by this situation. “We assure the public that power will be restored as soon as repair work is completed. EDSA further thanks its customers for their patience and understanding,” the Authority stated. EDSA also advised those whose locations are not on the list but are experiencing prolonged (5+ days) power outages to call 672 or message them.
The heavy rainfall leading to these blackouts is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events increasingly attributed to climate change. Sierra Leone, like many other countries, is experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, including heavy rains that lead to flooding and infrastructure damage. These events have significant impacts on business operations and the economy.
Frequent power outages and flooding disrupt business activities, leading to financial losses. Businesses, especially those dependent on consistent power supply, such as manufacturing and IT services, face operational challenges. Small businesses and informal sector enterprises, which form a large part of the economy, are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the resources to invest in backup power solutions.
The heavy rains not only disrupt power supply but also damage roads, bridges, and buildings. In Freetown, flooding has become a common occurrence, exacerbated by poor urban planning and deforestation. The collapse of infrastructure, such as the Siaka Stevens Stadium fence and buildings in Regent, underscores the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure to extreme weather.
Deforestation in Sierra Leone, driven by illegal mining and logging, is another critical issue exacerbating the effects of climate change. The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) rangers are engaged in a relentless battle to preserve the country’s dwindling forests. In places like the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve, rangers struggle to protect the forest from illegal activities that not only deplete natural resources but also increase vulnerability to floods and landslides.
Sheku Jusu, the regional NPAA conservation officer, highlighted the daily challenges faced by the rangers. “The devastation is getting worse every day. When we are patrolling in the forest, every day we come across new sites that they have just started operating.” The illegal mining activities, particularly for gold, and logging lead to soil erosion and loss of tree cover, which are crucial for mitigating flood risks.
Amid these environmental challenges, the mining sector continues to be a significant part of Sierra Leone’s economy. Recently, Leonoil Company Limited, an indigenous Sierra Leonean company, successfully outbid international competitors to acquire Sierra Rutile for $76.4 million. This acquisition, approved by the Board of Sierra Rutile, marks a significant shift in the country’s mining industry, potentially leading to better management and sustainable practices under local stewardship.
The ongoing environmental degradation and climate change effects highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices in all sectors. The collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and communities is crucial in addressing these challenges and building a resilient future for Sierra Leone.