Pitch Black

This week, the major power generation plant, Bambuna, is under repair. Actually, its unclear if the electricity grid or the generation plant itself is under repair. What is clear is that there is no power and thus, everyone has stocked up on diesel fuel to power their generators. This ofcourse includes all government buildings. (Yes, even government doesn't have a steady supply of electricity). So last night, I had my first taste of what Freetown was like before Bambuna came online last October.

Was sitting in the Minister of Trade's office having a pretty important discussion when at around 7pm, the power went out in the building. The entire building, which includes about 15 different ministries, lost power. It was already dark outside and as a result, it was pitch black inside the office. I expected that this would essentially end the meeting, so I started to gather my belongings by feeling around on the floor for my bag and trying to determine which cell phone was sitting on the table in front of me. But, I was wrong to anticipate that the lack of lights and air conditioning could stop the conversation.

A hour and half later, our meeting continued. About half of that time was in complete darkness, until an aid of the minister turned on a little camping light which we placed on the table. Finally departed the minister's office at around 8:30pm. However, this then meant that my colleagues and I had to navigate through the corridors of this building and then walk down 7 flights of stairs using only the light from our cell phones to show the way. (Note to self: Blackberries do a much better job as acting as a flashlight than Iphone's do).