Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay has unveiled a novel strategy to address the problem head-on in an effort to put an end to the ongoing problem of electricity theft and anti-social conduct.
On Monday, January 22, 2024, in Electricity House in Freetown, the minister made public his audacious position. In-depth information about the minister's approach, prior difficulties, and cooperative efforts between the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to combat electricity theft are covered in this blog article.
The Menace of Electricity Theft:
In Sierra Leone, electricity theft has long been a problem, resulting in financial losses for businesses and technological systems as well as impeding the effective delivery of power to the general population. Because of the problem's persistence despite earlier attempts, Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay has taken a fresh, confrontational tack.
Minister's Pronouncement at Press Conference:
Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay made it apparent during the press conference that his ministry is using an unconventional tactic to stop energy and electricity theft. The minister underlined the necessity of taking a more assertive stance and unveiled plans to name and shame clients of all sizes, including companies and hotels. Planned measures to address the issue include surprise visits and a widespread disconnection effort, regardless of status.
Frustration and Presidential Task Force:
Minister Sesay expressed anger at the ongoing prevalence of electricity theft and cited previous initiatives, such as President Julius Maada Bio's creation of a special Presidential task team and a court specifically for that purpose. Even with these efforts, there is still cause for concern regarding the issue. The minister invited the public to participate in the battle against electricity theft and reaffirmed his commitment to stepping up efforts.
EDSA's Role and Public Notice:
In combating electricity theft, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has been instrumental. The National power Act of 2011 is violated by any type of power interference that results in abstraction and non-payment of electricity bills, as EDSA informed the public in a recent public notice. The notice stressed how unauthorized abstraction hurts the authority's capacity to supply steady, dependable power.
Nationwide Routine Exercise:
In order to prevent power theft, EDSA has put in place a regular nationwide activity that involves monitoring and checking businesses and locations to make sure that electricity installations are adequate. The objective is to proactively detect and resolve instances of illicit abstraction in order to stop additional losses and guarantee that customers will always receive power.
Urgent Call to Customers:
With the public announcement, EDSA urged all of its valued customers to immediately stop any illegal abstraction or electricity theft. The authority promotes a cooperative approach to resolving the issue by encouraging consumers to report suspected cases by contacting EDSA through dedicated hotlines.
Minister's Appeal and Collaborative Efforts:
The call for coordinated action by Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay highlights the gravity of the situation and the requirement for a unified front against electricity theft. The joint endeavors of the government, the ministry, and EDSA showcase a dedication to eliminating the threat and guaranteeing a steady and dependable power supply for the populace.
Reporting Mechanism and Public Responsibility:
To enable the general public to report suspected occurrences of electricity theft, EDSA has made contact information available. The public is urged to actively participate in maintaining the reliability of the electrical supply system, thereby fostering a more secure and sustainable energy environment.
In addition to the proactive steps made by EDSA, Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay's audacious plan to stop energy theft indicates a fresh commitment to resolving a persistent problem in Sierra Leone. In order to eradicate electricity theft and provide a dependable and sustainable power supply for the country, the government, the ministry, and EDSA have joined forces. This blog post will update readers about the development and results of the effort to stop electricity theft in Sierra Leone as the non-traditional approaches take shape.