Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-17 20:20:07
The recent surge of fire incidents in Liberia has raised concerns among both local and international stakeholders. Various theories have been proposed to explain the root cause of these incidents, including substandard home wiring systems, issues with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Ivory Coast power supply, internal sabotage, and the use of low-grade home electric wires. While each of these possibilities has some credibility, a definitive conclusion has not been reached.
Substandard home wiring systems are a major concern in Liberia, with many homes still using outdated or inferior electrical wiring. These substandard systems can lead to potential shorts or overloading, increasing the risk of electrical fires. The lack of proper safety guidelines and the use of low-grade materials exacerbate the problem, especially in a country where electrification is a significant challenge.
The LEC, the state-run power corporation in Liberia, has been criticized for poor service provision, inefficiency, and infrastructural inadequacy. Unstable power supply, voltage fluctuations, and power outages from the LEC could contribute to the recent upsurge in fire incidents. These issues put additional strain on already deficient electrical installations in homes, making them more susceptible to electric fire outbreaks.
Although Liberia benefits from an additional power supply from the Ivory Coast, technical complexities in the synchronization of power systems between the two countries could pose risks. Any hiccups in the power supply arrangement could potentially lead to electrical fires, highlighting the importance of ensuring compatibility between the two power infrastructures.
Another possibility is internal sabotage by miscreants, where deliberate, malicious acts could be responsible for the fire outbreaks. In a time of socio-political upheavals, acts of vandalism cannot be ruled out as a potential cause of these fires. Personal vendettas, political vendettas, or sheer mischief could all be motives behind such actions.
The use of low-grade home electric wires is also a significant concern, as counterfeit electrical materials in local markets pose a threat to fire prevention efforts. When these inferior products are used in house wiring, they create a dangerous setup that could easily ignite a fire. Each of these theories has merit to some extent, but a thorough scientific investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of the fire incidents in Liberia.
The situation in Liberia serves as a wake-up call for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing comprehensive electrical safety measures and strategies to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future. A multi-disciplinary probe and swift action by the Liberian government are necessary to address this issue effectively and prevent further fire incidents.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
