Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Electricity remains the bedrock of national development, yet across Sierra Leone, particularly in the provinces, it is still treated more as a privilege than a right. In a country striving for inclusive growth, the disparity in power access between Freetown and the rest of the nation is stark and troubling. Even in the capital, electricity supply has become increasingly unreliable. Karpowership, once a major provider of energy to Freetown, has significantly scaled down its generation capacity due to outstanding financial obligations owed by the Government, leading to widespread blackouts and reduced hours of power availability. If the capital is experiencing such challenges, the situation in the provincial areas is even more dire, where entire communities still live in darkness or depend on costly, polluting generators.

In provincial towns like Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Kono limited or non-existent electricity supply has constrained economic development, stifled small businesses and left essential public services underpowered. A tailor cannot meet orders on time without electric machines, cold rooms for agricultural storage are inoperable and clinics cannot perform emergency procedures at night without reliable lighting. Students are forced to study by candlelight or Chinese lights, while young entrepreneurs find themselves handicapped by a lack of the most basic infrastructure to operate in the digital age.

Despite these challenges, there have been some strides made by the Government to improve energy access beyond the capital. The CLSG Interconnection Project has begun to channel electricity from Côte d'Ivoire into Sierra Leone through Guinea and Liberia, expanding the national grid and reaching towns that had long been isolated. Additionally, mini-grids installed through the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) in districts like Moyamba, Pujehun and Tonkolili are offering a glimmer of hope to thousands of residents previously cut off from the power network.

However, much more needs to be done. The Government must treat electricity as an urgent national priority and ensure that provinces are not perpetually left behind. Expanding the use of renewable energy, especially solar and hydro, is a realistic and sustainable solution for many rural and remote communities. With Sierra Leone’s abundant sunlight and untapped rivers, a decentralized renewable energy approach can deliver lasting power to underserved regions without overburdening the national grid.

Equity in electricity supply is not just a development goal; it is a justice issue. The future of Sierra Leone cannot rest solely in Freetown’s flickering lights. The empowerment of the provinces through reliable and modern electricity systems is key to unlocking the full potential of the nation. A brighter, fairer future for all Sierra Leoneans depends on lighting every home, school, clinic and business no matter where they are located. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/energy-justice-needed-the-provinces-cant-wait-any-longer/