Babadorie Residents Express Frustration Over Unequal Distribution Of Electricity
By The Patriot
Since Cyril Arnold Grant’s appointment as Minister of Energy, Freetown has slipped back into darkness, with prolonged power outages casting a shadow over daily life. Communities across the city continue to grapple with persistent blackouts, which have not only destroyed food items stored in refrigerators, but also compounded the hardships already faced by many Sierra Leoneans. In Babadorie, Lumley, residents say their suffering is worsened by what they describe as unfair and partial distribution of the limited electricity available—a situation they attribute to favoritism among Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) staff.
Babadorie residents have come together to voice their frustration with EDSA, the government agency responsible for electricity distribution. Their complaints center on frequent and seemingly selective blackouts that have left significant parts of their community in darkness for months. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that some EDSA officers may be skewing power supply in favor of certain neighborhoods, while others are left neglected.
In an exclusive interview with The Drone Newspaper, Mr. Jalloh, a concerned Babadorie resident, described a telling incident that highlights the deep sense of injustice felt by many. “Every night,” he said, “you will see this EDSA man come on his motorbike and turn off the electricity around Posseh Hotel, but other nearby areas remain powered.” He went on to say that there is suspicion among locals that the EDSA officer might be receiving something—possibly bribes or favors—from households that consistently retain electricity while others suffer outages.
Mr. Jalloh revealed that these inequities have persisted for more than three months, disrupting daily life drastically. “I expected things to improve when EDSA introduced the load-shedding timetable, but instead, the blackouts have become worse,” he lamented. For him, the authority’s promises ring hollow in light of the ongoing power struggles.
Another Babadorie resident, Mr. Rogers, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out the stark inequality in electricity supply within their community. “Some areas get power, others don’t. It feels as if EDSA has decided to neglect our neighborhood,” he said grimly. Beyond the discomfort and inconvenience caused by blackouts, the economic toll has been severe. Rogers lamented the spoilage of valuable food products that were rendered useless after refrigerators lost power during extended outages.
Adding context to these grievances, Mr. Rogers shared that before the current ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government took office, Babadorie enjoyed a more reliable and consistent power supply. However, since EDSA divided the community into two phases for electricity distribution—apparently favoring areas where former Chief, Minister J.J. Saffa, resides—the situation has dramatically worsened. “That’s when the serious power outages started,” he recalled, explaining the roots of mounting community frustration.
Many residents have spoken candidly to The Drone Newspaper, identifying EDSA as a critical failing under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s administration. To them, EDSA is not just inefficient—it is actively hindering people’s lives by denying equitable access to what should be a basic service. The collective mood in Babadorie is one of desperation, with residents calling urgently for government intervention.
This growing discontent reflects a larger pattern seen across Freetown and beyond, where power failures have become routine and solutions remain elusive. The lack of transparency in how electricity is allocated has bred mistrust and anger, fueling suspicions of corruption and nepotism within EDSA.
With power outages continuing to wreak havoc on the livelihoods of Babadorie’s residents, it is clear that a swift and effective resolution must be found. The unity shown by the community in condemning EDSA’s failures sends a strong message to officials: citizens expect fair treatment and dependable services. Responsive governance and accountability are imperative if public confidence is to be restored.
The Drone Newspaper will keep a close watch on developments in Babadorie and updates from EDSA. As the community demands improved electricity services and transparency, all eyes remain on government leaders and utility providers to act decisively. Realizing equitable access to power is not only essential for daily convenience, but fundamental to economic well-being and dignity.
The time has come for concerted efforts to stop the ‘Grant Blackout’ and ensure every household in Sierra Leone receives uninterrupted and fair electricity supply without discrimination or favoritism. Babadorie’s plight is both a cautionary tale and a rallying call for change.
