By Ayodele Deen Cole
The Director of Communications at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), Sahr Nepor, has disclosed that discussions are currently underway with the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Komba Kamanda, regarding the establishment of a specialized EDSA fast-track court. The proposed court will focus on handling cases related to electricity supply and other critical energy-related offenses.
This revelation was made during a recent interview with a local media outlet.
According to Nepor, the move comes in response to the growing number of electricity-related offenses across the country. He revealed that EDSA has recently apprehended several individuals in the western part of Freetown for tampering with electricity meters. Among the areas affected are Signal Hill and Scan Drive, where suspects are currently assisting police with investigations. He emphasized that such illegal actions significantly disrupt electricity supply to law-abiding consumers.
Nepor stated that the rising incidents of electricity theft serve as a wake-up call for both EDSA and the government, highlighting the urgent need for the proposed court to ensure swift justice in such matters. He warned that those found guilty of tampering with electricity infrastructure could face penalties of up to Fifty Million Leones or five years’ imprisonment, in accordance with the Electricity Act.
He further revealed that EDSA has identified numerous customers who illegally connect cables from street poles to home meters, or tamper with internal wiring systems. He confirmed that dozens of offenders have been apprehended for illegal electricity abstraction; an issue he described as a persistent challenge for the Authority.
In conclusion, Nepor urged all consumers to avoid illegal electricity connections and ensure their bills are fully paid. He stressed that electricity supply is a matter of national importance and EDSA remains committed to ensuring fairness and accountability in service delivery.
