By: Mohamed Sahr
Residents of the Black Tank community, located off Regent Road in Lumley, have raised serious concerns over frequent power outages caused by recurrent transformer damage.
Many community members have attributed the ongoing issue to the alleged unprofessional conduct of a worker from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), identified as Sahr Mundey.
Locals claim that Mundey has been repeatedly seen switching off the transformer under the pretense of performing his duties. As a result, the community has been without stable electricity, often experiencing power cuts for days at a time.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, when a fire broke out, engulfing the transformer and its cables. The fire left many residents without power, further exacerbating the situation.
Mohamed Bellay, a resident of the Black Tank community, expressed frustration over the ongoing blackouts. He stated that the community rarely enjoys consistent electricity, with power only available for a few days each week before another issue arises with the transformer.
He added, “One major problem is that there is a young man who claims to be an EDSA worker. He is often seen turning off the transformer, which disrupts the power supply.”
Bellay also pointed out that the transformer is situated too close to a nearby dustbin. The heat from the bin, he explained, often causes a fire to ignite, damaging the transformer’s cables. The incident on Saturday was particularly devastating, and Bellay acknowledged that it was only through the swift response of the Sierra Leone Fire Force that the fire was brought under control.
He urged the Ministry of Energy and EDSA to relocate the transformer to a safer and more suitable location away from the dustbin.
Haja Adama Kalokoh, Chairlady of the Black Tank Market, emphasized how the transformer damage has disrupted local businesses. She explained that customers are increasingly hesitant to purchase cooking condiments, as power outages affect the market’s operations. Kalokoh called on the government to find a more appropriate site for the transformer.
Foday Kamara, another resident, echoed the concerns of his neighbors, describing the daily blackouts the community endures due to the transformer’s frequent malfunctions. Kamara also identified Sahr Mundey as a key figure in the ongoing issues.
John Junior Tucker, a local resident, shared similar grievances, expressing frustration over the community’s struggles with electricity disruptions, particularly the alleged involvement of an EDSA worker.
The Black Tank community is now calling for a sustainable solution to address these ongoing power issues, with residents urging the relevant authorities to take swift action to resolve the problem and improve their living conditions.
