By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, D.S.
Lawyer Basita Michael has publicly criticized Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella and the Government of Sierra Leone for their recent assertions regarding improvements in electricity generation, expressing deep skepticism about the government’s claims.
In a statement addressing the ongoing electricity crisis, Michael emphasized the significant trust deficit between citizens and their government. “Pardon our skepticism; we’ve earned it,” she stated, highlighting the frustrations of a population that has endured decades of unreliable power supply and unfulfilled promises.
Michael specifically referred to the government’s announcement that the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) had exceeded a 50-megawatt (MW) electricity generation target for just one day, aided minimally by the Turkish floating power plant, Karpowership.
She criticized this achievement as insufficient, remarking, “This skepticism is not baseless. It is borne out of the deep frustrations of a populace long accustomed to the occasional shouts of ‘light don kam,’” referencing the intermittent power cuts in the capital, Freetown, and other parts of the country. Michael pointed out that citizens are wary of celebrating fleeting victories that ultimately lead back to darkness. “They are tired of celebrating transient victories, only to be plunged back into darkness,” she added.
Michael called for sustainable outcomes and real accountability in the energy sector, stating that “lasting transformation in the energy sector is long overdue.” She urged the government to provide tangible and sustained evidence of progress before any celebrations occur. “Until then, please forgive our reluctance to applaud. We have painstakingly earned our skepticism over the past decades,” she concluded, reinforcing the demand for consistent and reliable electricity in Sierra Leone.
Michael’s comments followed government officials’ social media praise for Yumkella’s role in ensuring sufficient power generation to keep Freetown illuminated amidst recent issues with Karpowership. Yumkella and other government members, including Myk Berewa, claimed the city was safe from blackouts, despite the Turkish floating power plant reducing its power input to 5MW due to outstanding arrears.
They affirmed that power from other sources, including the Bumbuna Hydro Dam, CLSG, and land-based thermal plants, generated over 50 MW in a day, surpassing the essential quantity needed to supply the capital. Since the claim, power has remained stable in many parts of the city; however, some locals share Michael’s concerns about the sustainability of the supply.
In response to Michael’s criticisms, Yumkella acknowledged the skepticism, attributing it to “decades of cosmetic, temporary solutions” that have characterized past efforts in the energy sector. He stressed that his team is “cut from a different cloth and forged by a different experience,” highlighting their unique training and commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition.
To provide clarity on the government’s plans, Yumkella invited Michael to a comprehensive briefing at the Ministry of Energy on July 7th, hoping to offer insights into the structural reforms intended by the ministry. He requested Michael’s prayers and support, urging focus on their goals despite distractions from critics. “I ask for your prayers and support, that we may remain undistracted by the noise and naysayers as we pursue this crucial transformation,” he stated.
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