Residents of Calaba Town and Wellington in Freetown have reportedly accused some staff of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) of allegedly demanding financial assistance from community members before restoring electricity to their areas.
The allegations reportedly emerged from residents of Sayinor, Gassama Street, Matokoh, Consider Lane, Natco and other hilly communities in eastern Freetown, who say they have experienced an irregular electricity supply for about a month.
According to the residents, electricity is sometimes unavailable for three consecutive days before returning for approximately 30 minutes on the fourth day. They further alleged that the supply then fluctuates repeatedly, switching on and off before being cut off again for another three days.
The residents claim that some EDSA workers have been demanding financial contributions from them to provide electricity, raising concerns about whether the alleged requests are connected to the prolonged and inconsistent power supply.
They have called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, particularly the conduct of staff operating under EDSA’s Wellington PMB and Portee areas, as well as other parts of eastern Freetown.
The residents also expressed concern over whether EDSA’s leadership, headed by Cyril Grant, is aware of the alleged practices, although no evidence was provided to establish his knowledge or involvement.
They are urging the authorities to investigate the matter, ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established, and address the persistent electricity supply problems affecting their communities.
EDSA’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of writing this report.