Sierra Leone Faces Power Crisis as Cities Plunge into Darkness Over Unpaid Bills

Freetown, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, and several other cities have been experiencing extensive power outages for weeks due to the non-payment of substantial electricity bills. The situation has severely disrupted daily life and operations, including essential services in major hospitals.

Karpowership, a Turkish company that operates one of the world's largest floating power plants and provides the majority of Freetown's electricity, has drastically reduced its power supply from 60 megawatts to just six megawatts. This reduction is to maintain only essential services after an unpaid bill totaling about $48 million (£38 million). Despite assurances from Sierra Leone's Finance Minister to settle the debt, the company has taken a strict stance on non-payment.

Additionally, CLSG, an Ivorian power supplier, has also cut back its electricity supply to the southeastern cities of Bo, Kenema, and Koidu, from 32 megawatts to 10 megawatts due to unpaid arrears. The exact amount owed by the state remains undisclosed.

The third major source of power, the state-owned hydroelectric dam in Bumbuna, is currently operating at reduced capacity, supplying only six megawatts to the northern city of Makeni and nearby towns. The reduction is attributed to the peak of the dry season, which has significantly lowered water levels.

A source from the state-owned electricity distribution company (EDSA) disclosed that less than two megawatts are currently reaching Freetown from the hydro dam, exacerbating the power crisis.

Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura is reportedly out of the country and unavailable for comment, adding to the frustrations of the populace. Many Sierra Leoneans have expressed their outrage over the persistent power cuts on social media.

Joseph Kargbo, a resident of Freetown's eastern suburbs, voiced his exasperation, stating, "I have gone for six days without a flash of light in my house."

This ongoing power crisis reflects the broader challenges faced by Sierra Leone in managing its energy needs and financial obligations. Karpowership's history of cutting power to capitals over unpaid bills, as seen last October in Guinea-Bissau, highlights the critical nature of the issue and the need for swift government action to restore stability and prevent further hardship.