Freetown Faces Daily Power Cuts After Turkish Supplier Shuts Off Electricity Over Unpaid Debt
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Sierra Leone's capital Freetown has faced power cuts after Turkey's Karpowership switched off electricity due to $40M unpaid debt.
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The debt accrued over time as the government subsidizes over half of what Karpowership charges per kilowatt hour.
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Karpowership provides 80% of Freetown's electricity needs, so the cut has reduced supply by 13%.
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Electricity is now rationed in Freetown, with homes and businesses going hours without power daily.
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Karpowership's supply is especially important in the dry season when dam levels are low; dependence is reduced in the rainy season.