BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
In Kamadu Camp, Koidu City, Kono District, residents, particularly individuals with diverse abilities, have voiced urgent appeals to the Sierra Leonean government, Kono District citizens, as well as international and non-governmental organizations (INGOs and NGOs) for assistance in addressing their longstanding electricity deprivation.
Despite Koidu City experiencing partial 24-hour electricity supply, Kamadu Camp has remained devoid of this basic necessity since its establishment. Residents, representing a spectrum of abilities, consider electricity indispensable for their well-being, safety, and educational pursuits.
Mariama Brima, the chairlady of the camp, highlighted the severe repercussions of the electricity deficit. She underscored the heightened vulnerability to theft, citing a recent incident where intruders looted their communal church, exacerbating feelings of insecurity among residents. Brima lamented the pervasive darkness, attributing numerous thefts to the absence of illumination.
Moreover, Brima emphasized the adverse impact on children’s education, as the lack of electricity hampers their ability to study effectively. Expressing frustration, she recounted failed attempts to secure electricity through neighboring connections, only to face warnings from Electricidade e Águas da Boa Vista (EDSA) workers threatening disconnection.
Tamba Komba, the camp’s chairman, reiterated the fundamental rights of residents, asserting that disability should not preclude access to basic amenities. He emphasized their integral role in society and urged the government to acknowledge their entitlement to electricity.
While acknowledging the government’s provision of water facilities, residents implored for equal attention to their electricity needs, highlighting the indispensable nature of light in their lives.
In light of these impassioned appeals, residents await prompt and decisive action from authorities and humanitarian organizations to alleviate their electricity plight, reaffirming their right to equitable access to essential services.
As the residents of Kamadu Camp continue to grapple with the absence of electricity, their voices resonate as a poignant reminder of the imperative to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all members of society, irrespective of their abilities.
