By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced a planned power shutdown in Makeni and other parts of northern Sierra Leone to allow for critical maintenance and cleaning work at the Bumbuna hydroelectric facility.
Speaking during a press briefing, EDSA Director of Communication, Sahr Daniel Nepo, assured residents that the institution is working around the clock to minimize the duration of the outage and restore electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He disclosed that technical teams have already been mobilized to accelerate the cleaning and maintenance process at the dam in an effort to shorten the shutdown period.
Nepo acknowledged the hardship the temporary outage may cause for businesses, students, healthcare facilities, and households, but stressed that the maintenance work is necessary to improve long-term electricity generation and distribution across the region.
The Public Relations Officer for EDSA’s North-East Region also clarified that electricity supply has not been diverted from the north to Freetown, contrary to speculation circulating among sections of the public.
According to him, the reduction in electricity supply is mainly linked to declining water levels at the Bumbuna dam during the peak of the dry season.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Jalloh called on residents to remain calm and support ongoing efforts by the government and energy sector authorities to address the situation.
He urged the public not to pay attention to conspiracy theories and misinformation surrounding the electricity challenges, emphasizing that the government remains committed to finding sustainable solutions to the power crisis affecting the north.
Residents and business owners in Makeni have continued to express concern over the persistent blackout, which has disrupted economic activities and daily life across the city.
However, authorities maintain that the planned maintenance work is intended to improve the reliability and stability of electricity supply once operations resume.
