Efforts to restore electricity to a health centre in Freetown’s Lumley neighbourhood have been set back after thieves vandalised a nearby substation for the second time in weeks, the national power utility said on Sunday.
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) said in a statement that technicians had completed repairs at the Lumley substation and were preparing to re-energise the line on Friday when they found that “vital cable lugs and terminals” had been removed.
The incident, which officials said was orchestrated by a man identified as Joseph Koroma, has been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sierra Leone Police.
As a result, the Lumley Health Centre and surrounding community remain without power until the stolen conductors can be replaced and further maintenance carried out, EDSA said.
The utility condemned what it called “repeated acts of vandalism” targeting its network, saying such attacks jeopardise essential services and endanger the health and safety of residents. It urged the public to help protect electricity infrastructure by promptly reporting suspicious activity.
Sierra Leone has struggled for years with intermittent electricity supply, and officials say theft and sabotage of distribution equipment add to the challenge of meeting growing demand.
By Jariatu Koroma
