By Marcus Bangura
The fire incident that engulfed Sierra Leone’s Seat of Power this past weekend sparked shockwaves that has shaken the nation to its core. A place symbolic of governance and leadership was left vulnerable to a devastating blaze, triggered by severe electrical faults vis-à-vis substandard appliances, overloaded extensions, and poorly wired systems. As confirmed by Chief Fire Officer, the inferno was not merely an accident but the tragic result of widespread systemic failures that extend beyond poor infrastructure is more troubling issues like negligence, lack of accountability, and failure in oversight while this incident was certainly shocking. It is also a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues plaguing the country- energy poverty, infrastructure risks, and a glaring lack of accountability.
Energy Poverty and the State of Infrastructure:
Energy poverty is an ever-present crisis in Sierra Leone, with about 70% of the population lacking reliable access to electricity. For many, this means relying on generators, improvised wiring, and low-quality electrical goods to keep things running. Yet, as seen at the State House, this creates a ticking time bomb, where poorly designed electrical systems and overburdened circuits are bound to fail, often with catastrophic consequences. The lack of stable, affordable, and safe energy solutions means citizens and government institutions are left to make do with unsafe alternatives. It is a dangerous practice that demands urgent reform. The situation at State House reveals that even the most important government buildings are not immune to the consequences of energy poverty. The unsafe practices we see in homes and businesses, like using substandard electrical goods and overloading circuits, are now impacting key national institutions. If government offices, responsible for overseeing national issues, are built on shaky infrastructure, it raises serious questions about the level of preparedness and commitment to improving safety standards in public buildings. The fire highlights just how vulnerable our government is to the same dangers faced by everyday citizens.
The Role of the Standards Bureau and Contractors’ Responsibility:
The incident also exposes failures in regulation and oversight. The Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, responsible for enforcing quality standards in goods and services, must be held accountable. The fact that low-quality electrical appliances and wiring were used in such an important government building speaks to the Bureau’s failure to regulate and ensure the safety of products and services. How many other public and private buildings are equally at risk because of substandard materials slipping through the port and borders? Substandard goods and materials continue to flood the market, and their dangerous use is evident in the State House incident. How many more lives need to be endangered before we hold the Standards Bureau accountable for their inability to enforce regulations and ensure that only safe, certified products are allowed on the market?
At the same time, contractors who are entrusted with building and maintaining government infrastructure must also be held accountable. In this case, it appears that poor workmanship and lack of attention to safety in the installation of electrical systems in government buildings have played a major role in this incident. If contractors cut corners to save costs or use subpar materials, the consequences can be dire. It is essential that we not only hold contractors responsible for such negligence but also demand a more stringent vetting process for those handling public projects.
The ACC and Effective Service Delivery:
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must also be part of this conversation. One of the key factors contributing to Sierra Leone’s infrastructure failures is the lack of effective service delivery due to corruption and mismanagement. Funds allocated for public infrastructure projects often end up diverted, resulting in substandard work and materials being used in critical government facilities like the State House. The ACC must step up its efforts to investigate procurement practices, contractor selection, and financial mismanagement that contribute to this cycle of neglect.
Negligence in Handling Government Property:
Perhaps most troubling of all is the blatant neglect in handling government property. The fact that the State House, a key symbol of the country’s governance, could be left vulnerable to such hazards speaks volumes about the broader issue of negligence in the management and upkeep of government assets. From poor maintenance of critical systems to the lack of regular inspections. It is evident that the State House incident is not an isolated case. Many government buildings across the country are at risk due to years of disregard for basic safety protocols and maintenance.
If we, as a nation, are serious about ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens, then the government must show more responsibility in managing its assets. The public sector, especially should set the standard by ensuring that proper safety checks and maintenance protocols are followed regularly.
Accountability: A Must for Future Safety:
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also has a role to play in addressing the mismanagement of public funds. The issue isn’t just about faulty wiring; it’s about a broader failure of governance. When public funds are misused, as has been the case in many infrastructure projects, the safety of our citizens is put at risk. Corruption in procurement and project management often leads to subpar materials and compromised safety protocols. This fire should be the catalyst for a national reassessment of how we handle government assets and public service delivery. The failure to properly maintain government properties and uphold basic safety standards is a gross negligence that must be addressed head-on.
A Call for Systemic Change:
The State House fire is not just an isolated incident—it is a wake-up call to the government, businesses, and citizens alike. Energy poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure, and lack of accountability must be confronted with urgency. We need stronger enforcement of safety standards, better quality control, and a comprehensive national energy policy that prioritizes affordable, and reliable energy access for all Sierra Leoneans.
This incident should drive the creation of a national safety protocol for all public buildings. The government must act not only to repair the damage at the State House but to ensure that future infrastructure projects are free from negligence and corruption. A clear message must be sent: public safety and accountability are non-negotiable.
