By: Usman Fambuleh
As Muslims across Sierra Leone observe the holy month of Ramadan, many families are facing an additional challenge beyond fasting and daily prayers: persistent electricity outages.
During Ramadan, electricity becomes even more essential for households. Families wake up early before dawn for Suhoor (the pre-fast meal) and gather again after sunset for Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. These moments often require lighting, refrigeration, cooking appliances, and sometimes water pumps. However, frequent and prolonged power cuts across Freetown and other parts of the country have made these simple routines increasingly difficult.
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the institution responsible for electricity distribution across the country, has in recent weeks come under growing public criticism for what many citizens describe as “persistent and unpredictable blackouts.”
For many residents, the situation has become increasingly frustrating. Entire communities often go hours, or even days, without electricity, disrupting daily life and affecting small businesses that rely on a steady power supply. In areas where electricity is restored briefly, the supply is sometimes unstable, with frequent fluctuations that can damage electrical appliances.
For Muslims observing Ramadan, the impact is particularly severe. Preparing meals before dawn becomes difficult in darkness, and many families are forced to rely on candles, rechargeable lamps, or costly generators. Refrigeration challenges also affect food preservation, making it harder for households to store meals for the evening breaking of the fast.
Small businesses are also feeling the strain. Bakeries, restaurants, cold-room operators, and phone-charging centers depend heavily on electricity during Ramadan, when demand for food and services often increases at night. Without stable power, many operators are forced to rely on generators, raising operational costs and reducing profits.
While several factors contribute to the electricity crisis including limited generation capacity, transmission challenges, and financial constraints many citizens believe EDSA must improve communication and the management of power distribution.
One major complaint from consumers is the lack of clear information about power schedules. When blackouts occur without warning, households and businesses cannot plan their activities effectively. If EDSA were to provide more transparent load-shedding schedules, communities could better manage their daily routines.
Additionally, stronger coordination between electricity producers and distributors is needed to ensure that available power is shared more efficiently across communities. Investment in infrastructure, maintenance of transmission lines, and expansion of alternative energy sources could also help reduce the frequency of outages.
Energy experts often note that electricity demand tends to increase during Ramadan because people remain awake longer at night for prayers and social gatherings. This seasonal spike makes proper planning even more important.
While citizens understand that the energy sector faces serious structural challenges, many believe that EDSA must demonstrate stronger responsiveness and accountability, particularly during important periods like Ramadan.
The holy month is a time of reflection, worship, and community. Ensuring reliable electricity during this period would not only ease the daily lives of fasting families but also strengthen public confidence in the country’s power sector.
As Ramadan continues, many Sierra Leoneans hope that authorities will take urgent steps to address the persistent blackouts and ensure that the spiritual atmosphere of the season is not overshadowed by darkness.
