By Biran Gaye
A sudden explosion of a National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) transformer in Serekunda Central, opposite Ebo Town junction, has raised serious safety concerns among local residents and disrupted the daily activities of vocational workers in the area.
The incident occurred on Tuesday and led to a prolonged power outage throughout the day. Fortunately, there were no casualties or reports of property damage. Eyewitnesses recounted that the transformer’s electrical fittings began to spark before a loud explosion reverberated through the neighborhood, startling nearby welders and pedestrians, many of whom fled in panic.
Modou Saine, a welder whose workshop is situated next to the transformer, told Foroyaa that repeated calls to NAWEC about the transformer’s faulty condition went unheeded. “We have seen many times the transformer ignited and anytime we call Nawec, they say they will come, but you would not see them,” Saine said, expressing frustration at the lack of timely response. “I always called them to address this issue until they (customer service) said they recognize my voice.”
In a twist of fate, a NAWEC vehicle carrying field technicians was passing by at the moment of the explosion. Alerted by witnesses, the technicians promptly intervened, cutting the electrical wires to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage.
“As a public enterprise, they should respect us and provide services, with human safety at the centre of it,” Saine added.
An inspection of the site revealed that an electrical cable connecting the transformer to a main station was routed through a smaller transformer mounted precariously close to a busy road and stagnant water, raising additional safety concerns.
The aftermath of the explosion left Modou and his colleagues unable to work, resulting in lost earnings for the day. Many in the area described the incident as “avoidable,” attributing it to NAWEC’s lack of timely action.
Another eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said he ran for safety upon seeing the transformer catch fire. “We want our lives and we don’t want electrical burns to destroy our working tools or our lives. Nawec should always provide precautionary measures for human safety,” he said. “Our livelihoods depend on what we do here, and today we are sitting doing nothing. What are we going to take home?”
When contacted, NAWEC’s operation manager confirmed the incident and reported that power had since been restored to the affected area.
