Sengeh Addresses Ongoing Freetown Electricity Power Blackouts

Sengeh Addresses Ongoing Freetown Electricity Power Blackouts

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has acknowledged that Freetown is still experiencing electricity blackouts, but assured citizens that the situation is temporary and government efforts are ongoing to improve and stabilize power supply across Sierra Leone.

Speaking to Sierra Leoneans in Leicester City, United Kingdom, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the government has made notable progress in expanding electricity access nationwide despite persistent challenges in the capital. 

While acknowledging that Freetown continues to face power outages, the Chief Minister characterized the issue as a temporary hurdle in the broader context of national energy reform.

Dr. Sengeh highlighted the government’s efforts to increase the number of citizens with electricity access, a core component of its current strategy. He pointed to improved power stability in regions such as Makeni, Kenema, Bo, Kono, Kamakwie, and Karene, contrasting this with previous years.

Regarding the infrastructure development required for national coverage, the Chief Minister noted that the government has doubled access to electricity since taking office, framing this as evidence of progress. 

He countered criticism that local power issues in Freetown reflect a failure of national policy or inflated access statistics, maintaining that the path to universal electricity access is a gradual, resource-intensive process. 

The remarks address ongoing public concern regarding the impact of unreliable power on households and businesses.