By: Elizabeth A. Kaine
The ongoing fatalities linked to the street railings at Lumley in Freetown demand an urgent and exclusive focus on public safety that cannot be ignored any longer. With four lives lost to electrocution in just over a year—including the tragic death of a young man this past Monday—these railings, intended to safeguard pedestrians, have transformed into a perilous trap.
Initially designed to enhance pedestrian safety, the railings have instead instilled fear among those who traverse Lumley. The proximity of electric poles to these barriers has resulted in the heartbreaking deaths of vulnerable street vendors and even a 10-year-old child. These incidents starkly illustrate the dire consequences of inadequate infrastructure planning and the critical need for oversight.
Consider the stories of the victims: a roast beef seller, who lost his life after inadvertently touching an electrified railing due to a faulty connection; an elderly woman, who was thrown into traffic by the same electrical hazard; and a young boy, sent to the market by his family, who fell victim to this preventable danger. Each of these lives, filled with potential and promise, has been senselessly cut short.
The most recent tragedy is a clarion call for immediate action. Families and market women in the area are pleading with the government to prioritize their safety. Their collective voice echoes a profound sense of urgency: “We are tired of living in fear.” This sentiment underscores the escalating danger faced by anyone who navigates these streets.
It is imperative that the government, city officials, and electrical utility companies take full responsibility for these deaths. The evident design flaws and negligence in maintaining the street railings must be addressed without delay. No one—be it hawkers, pedestrians, or children—should have to live in dread while using public walkways.
As concerned citizens, we must unite in demanding swift and decisive intervention. The tragic accidents that have occurred could have been avoided with better planning and a commitment to safety. This issue transcends mere infrastructure; it is fundamentally about preserving lives and ensuring that our streets are safe for everyone.
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait for another innocent life to be lost. Public safety is a fundamental right, and it is the responsibility of those in power to uphold that right by ensuring our streets and public areas are free from such hazards. It is time for the government to listen and act—before it is too late.
