It is early days into the Holy Ramadan Month, during which Muslims all around the world are required to fast from dawn to dusk, throughout the month. As one of the pillars of Islam, it is not only a time for spiritual purification, for physical endurance test, body detoxification but also a season of good will. In most cultures, the Holy month of Ramadan climaxes into Eid al-Fitr, which begins with communal prayer that is followed by visits, sharing meals and giving gifts. As I kid, I looked forward to the new clothes, the meals and most of all, the gifts (Salmafo). I actually preferred cash for the latter.
It is the 21st century and many might consider it ridiculous in this day and age, to make a meal about Jaiama Sewafe, Nimiyama Chiefdom in Kono District getting electricity. When you have been promised by successive governments for an eternity that your town will get electricity, you might be forgiven to shout out to the government that finally fulfils the litany of such promises. Just look at how Arsenal fans are suffering from the number of false dawns their football team manager has been promising them. Would you blame any Arsenal fan if Arsenal football team wins the English Premier League this season, and the fans gloat about it till thy kingdom come? No comment.
Jaiama Sewafe has finally got the promise fulfilled this month and far from seeing it as some divine interpretation, it is safe to say that the people of Jaiama Sewafe seem to have received their “Salmafo” very early and in advance. Some time last year, I wrote a piece lamenting the way the town had been treated by the two political parties over the years. I criticised the bare -faced lies and catalogue of broken promises that were fed to the Jaiama Sewafe electorate during every political cycle, only to be left in pitch darkness after the campaign slogans and drums had fallen silent. Some say it better late than never, and when there is good, we must say it, just like when it gets bad. The art of constructive criticism can be a valuable tool for one to grow and improve. Did Jaiama Sewafe just receive an early “Salmafo”?
Since the lights were turned on, local residents in their late 50s and 60s have been recalling the good old days, when Sewafe last enjoyed electricity, thanks to a chiefdom-owned generator that was managed from chiefdom funds from the chiefdom administration. A prominent resident and stakeholder, Mr Abubakarr Fofanah, fondly known as “Kadusu” recalled how the central park was the rendezvous for local young boys who gathered under street lamps and among wares including fired doughnuts, cakes and akara. While, some have been reminiscing the good old days, Mr Yaryah Jabbie, the Principal of the local Alharrakhan Islamic Secondary School expressed his hope that donors will help provide electricity for his school. According to him, having electricity in the school will help facilitate evening classes for the students who could benefit from extra lessons. This sentiment was also shared by Mr Phillip Johnson, the Principal of Sewafe Secondary School. Both school principals spoke highly of, and welcomed the provision of electricity to the town, at last. However, they also passionately expressed their desires to see their respective secondary schools benefit from this development and hoped it will help them take advantage to maximise the full potential of their students.
They spoke about the need for electricity to support computer and internet use. They talked about how they could use the electricity for many equipment like printers in the school. According to Mr Jabbie, there have been times when school materials were taken to Koidu town in a 54- mile round trip just to print school materials. He expressed his hope that donors and philanthropists could come to the aid of his school for items like EDSA supplied cables, meters and other materials to install electricity throughout the school. He expressed his hope and belief that such support would go a long way to help the children achieve their full potential.
The Paramount Chief, George Ndapi Torto has been vivacious in his appreciation for the electricity at last. He expressed his frustration for so many broken promises over the years. He recalled that the last time Jaiama Sewafe had electricity for the community was during his later father, Sir Ndapi Torto’s reign. Those who recalled the lights going out in the late 1970’s could not help but express their hope that may be, just maybe, things are looking up this time. Chief Torto spoke about how other small industries like rice mills and other agricultural facilities and businesses could be boosted to replace the declining mining resources. He hoped that with electricity, alternative employment could be accessed with the opportunities that the electricity could generate. He expressed the hope that his pet project like, Life After Diamonds (LAD) and many more provide opportunities for the youth and benefit from the advantages of electricity. He also noted that with sustainability and green energy high on the agenda of most government initiatives, he expressed his wish to see the day when the Binkongoh Waterfalls nearby, would be utilised to its full potentials. In summing up, Chief Torto thanked all those who made this project possible.
Did Jaiama Sewafe just received its own Salmafo in advance?
Ramadan Kareem.
Don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room.
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