September 2, 2021
By Ilyasa Baa
Since 21 st August, 2021, customers of Power Leone Solar Electrification Company have been without light due to a shut down of the power on the orders of the Recent Chief and Ribbi Chiefdom Youth Leader.
The company has come under serious bashing by the people of Bradford on the grounds of poor outage and irregular power supply.
Madam Gbassay Sesay, a petty trader said the company persuaded her to buy two freezers only to realize that the light was not constant. She said she has lost a lot of money due to the spoilage of the cool aid and genger beer she prepared, noting that the company has contributed to the economic mess she is currently facing.
Mr. Abdul Rahman Bangura said initially, when the company came he thought it would help resuscitate the economy but it is the reverse he has discovered. He expressed his dismay over the way and manner the company has served them so far.
The Regent Chief, MS.Jalloh, has formally complained the company to the Minister of Energy, copied the Member of Parliament for Constituency 093., the District Officer (DO) among others.
His complaint hinges on high tariff, illegal withdrawal of metres, display of metres, on and off power outage and the shutting down of the entire grid sunce 21 st August,2021.
The company has informed A-Z newspaper that action is being taken to restore power supply. It states that there is plan to replace the dead batteries in the grid so that Bradford will soon enjoy sufficient electricity.
The issue of poor outage, according to the company, could be as a result of the poor weather when the panels do not get enough sun shine to charge the batteries.
On the issue of the shut down, the company insists that the grid was shut down on the orders of the Regent Chief and the Cheifdom Youth Leader Ibrahim Albert Turayduring a confusion when a team from the company reached the village.
The situation was dramatic as the Power Leone team had to seek refuge at the Chief’s compound to avoid attack from the angry customers. More revelations on subsequent editions.