A Resident’s Perspective from Accra, Reflecting on Power Outages and Seeking Solutions.
As a resident of Accra, I share my perspective on the resurgence of “Dumsor,” a term that has become all too familiar in our lives. Let me delve into this matter.
“Yesterday for Adabraka, I see one guy wey dey hold ‘kanea’ you know that kanea wey get shade nu? I just no know what to say, then I just dey ponder say ‘how long this dumsor dey come stay with us?”
Dumsor, the erratic power supply that plagued Ghana in the past, has reappeared in our lives. As the rains pour down and flood our streets, we find ourselves grappling with yet another challenge, the return of power outages. But is this truly a revival of the infamous dumsor era, or are there nuances we must consider?
I empathize with the frustration felt by many. The lack of a clear timetable for power cuts disrupts our daily routines. We yearn for predictability, to know when the lights will flicker off and when they’ll return. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) must communicate better, allowing us to plan our lives amidst these outages.
Is dumsor truly back? On social media, Ghanaians engage in heated debates. Some insist that dumsor is back, pointing to the recurrent power interruptions. They draw parallels to the dark days when our lives revolved around candles and generators. Others, however, argue that this situation differs from the past. They claim that the current outages stem from different causes and cannot be labeled as true dumsor.
What’s the way forward? Former President John Dramani Mahama recently weighed in on the matter. He emphasized that the government should release a load-shedding timetable to provide clarity to citizens. Transparency, he believes, is essential in managing public expectations and minimizing the impact of power cuts on businesses and households.
Let’s pause and reflect. Yes, we face power cuts, but let’s not forget the severity of the original dumsor era. Back then, we endured 24-hour blackouts, with only brief respites. The struggle was real, affecting businesses, education, and our overall well-being. Today, even a minor flicker prompts cries of “Dumsor is back.” But let’s keep things in perspective.
Our leaders must address this issue decisively. Visionary leadership is crucial. We need sustainable solutions, investments in infrastructure, diversification of energy sources, and improved distribution. Let’s break free from the grip of dumsor once and for all, cos we taya.