Billions Spent, Multiple Changes, Yet Power Supply Remains Unstable in Freetown
Residents of Freetown continue to face frequent electricity outages despite significant public spending and repeated administrative changes in Sierra Leone ’s energy sector. Since 2018, the SLPP government led by President Julius Maada Bio has announced several measures aimed at improving electricity generation and distribution. These efforts have included changes in leadership at the Ministry of Energy , the continued use of emergency power solutions such as Karpowership , and direct presidential oversight of the energy portfolio at one point. Technical support from energy experts, including Kandeh Yumkella , was also introduced as part of broader reform efforts. However, electricity supply in many parts of the capital remains inconsistent. Residents report long periods without power, frequent outages, and low voltage when electricity is available. These challenges persist across several communities, affecting households, businesses, and public services. The impact is particu...