Sierra Leone has finally seen the return of electricity supplies after enduring weeks of power cuts, a relief that came after the country settled a portion of its $48 million (£38 million) debt to a Turkish firm.
This crucial $18 million payment coincided with the resignation of the country’s energy minister, who took full responsibility for the crisis.
Freetown, the capital, largely relies on electricity from a Turkish ship stationed off the coast, but severe supply reductions—from 60 megawatts to 6 megawatts—had been enforced due to unpaid bills, exacerbating the prolonged disruption.
The power shortages had profound impacts, with residents enduring days without power, and hospitals grappling with the consequences. Tragically, at least one infant reportedly succumbed due to the lack of electricity, highlighting the dire consequences.
Medical professionals resorted to using mobile phones for illumination during procedures, underscoring the critical need for uninterrupted power.
Before the restoration of power, Fatmata Gassim, a second-year engineering student in Freetown, voiced her frustration, questioning how daily tasks such as ironing clothes and cooking could be accomplished without electricity.
The resignation of Kanja Sesay prompted the direct supervision of the energy ministry by President Julius Maada Bio’s office, indicating a significant shift in management.
This isn’t the first time Karpowership has wielded its leverage over African nations due to unpaid bills, having previously cut off power to Guinea-Bissau.
The floating power plants operate by converting gas into electricity, offering a vital energy source for nations with struggling infrastructure.
Despite some progress, access to electricity remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 50% of the population lacking grid connections, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).