EDSA Lights Up Kamakwie

By Julius Desmond Conteh in Kamakwie

For decades, darkness was the constant companion of Kamakwie in the Karene District. As the sun set each evening, life in the town slowed down almost to a halt. Streets disappeared into shadows, businesses shut their doors early, students struggled to study under kerosene lamps, and families adjusted their routines to a life without reliable public electricity. For generations, the absence of power was not just an inconvenience—it was a symbol of neglect and underdevelopment.

Today, that painful chapter is gradually being rewritten. Electricity has finally arrived in Kamakwie, bringing with it renewed hope and visible transformation. Several parts of the town are now illuminated, with streetlights lighting up major roads, junctions, and public spaces that were once completely dark. The glow of these lights represents more than just power—it signals progress, opportunity, and inclusion in the national development agenda.

For the first time in many years, residents can move freely at night without fear, traders can extend their business hours, and social life is beginning to flourish after sunset. Students now have better conditions to study, health workers can operate more effectively, and small businesses are already exploring new possibilities made possible by electricity, such as phone charging centers, cold storage, printing services, and entertainment hubs.

However, the transformation work is still in progress.

Not all areas of Kamakwie are yet connected to the grid. Some neighborhoods remain in darkness, patiently waiting for their turn. Officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) are currently on the ground, actively carrying out installations, testing lines, and making necessary adjustments to ensure that power is extended to every corner of the township.

Residents have welcomed the development with mixed feelings of excitement and cautious optimism. While many celebrate the visible improvements, there is a strong call for authorities to ensure that the project is completed fully and sustainably, without leaving any community behind.

The arrival of electricity in Kamakwie is more than a technical achievement—it is a powerful statement that even long-neglected towns can rise and be transformed. If properly managed and maintained, this new access to power could unlock economic growth, improve security, strengthen education and healthcare services, and significantly raise the standard of living for thousands of people.

For Kamakwie, the light is not just shining on the streets—it is shining on a future full of promise.