In recent times, Sierra Leone has been rocked by a wave of devastating fire outbreaks, particularly in the capital city, Freetown. At the canter of public concern is the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), which many citizens blame for the poor and erratic electricity distribution that they believe is triggering these fires.
Residential areas, key government buildings, hospitals, parliament, and even State House the official office of the President have all been affected. With growing damage to lives and properties, citizens are now demanding urgent answers and accountability from EDSA.
Madam Adama, a businesswoman and resident of Freetown, recounted her harrowing experience as one of the victims of a fire allegedly caused by power surges.
“I went out for business as usual when I got a distressed call from my neighbours that my house was on fire,” she said. “By the time I got there, everything was already consumed. The Fire Force came, but it was too late. My children and I lost everything only the clothes we were wearing were saved.”
Similar stories to that of madam Adama has been told by may victims of the poor distribution of electricity by EDSA across the countries
On April 5th, a fire broke out at again at the 34 Military Hospital, one of Freetown’s primary medical centres. Although the cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, widespread speculation links it to electricity faults, as with previous incidents.
Shockingly, State House office of the the sitting president and top government officials also suffered a fire outbreak in recent days. The blaze reportedly consumed the office of the Press Secretary and the Director of Electricity within the building. The incident has stirred national alarm, with many asking how even the seat of power is vulnerable to such threats without accountability.
Even Parliament narrowly escaped disaster, as a fire almost erupted during a heated debate session. Fortunately, technical staff on site were able to intervene swiftly and avert what could have been a tragic situation.
Despite the growing list of incidents, EDSA has yet to issue a comprehensive explanation to the public regarding the root causes of the electricity problems. Citizens across the country continue to voice their frustrations over the authority’s silence and lack of transparency.
Calls for an independent investigation into EDSA’s operations are growing louder, with civil society groups, opposition figures, and affected residents demanding reforms and accountability.
With lives lost, homes destroyed, and critical institutions compromised, Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture. Until concrete measures are taken to address the electrical distribution issues and ensure proper safety standards, the threat of more fire outbreaks looms large.
For now, the people of Sierra Leone wait—many with anxiety, and others with anger hoping for answers, justice, and above all, safety in their own homes.
