The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 24/07/2025;debated and unanimously passed into law, with some amendments the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2025.
This Act regulates electricity, water, and sanitation services in Sierra Leone, aiming to improve service delivery.
Key provisions in the Act included the establishment of a regulatory framework for the electricity and water sectors, outlining roles, responsibilities, and boundaries to avoid conflicts among agencies.
It also provides for consumer protection, including a consumer complaint unit to address concerns and ensure better performance.
Also, the commission is expected to present an annual tariff report to Parliament for review and consideration.
Presenting the Bill, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah told Members of Parliament that the document is divided into fourteen parts. The Minister disclosed that Bill aims at improving and providing adequate service to the people of Sierra Leone.
In his contribution to the debate, the Chairman of Water Resources Committee, who also doubles as the Whip of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Water Resources’ treatment of the Water Resources Committee and suggested splitting the two institutions for effective functioning. The MP called for a healthy relationship between Parliament and the Ministry and proper monitor of facilities and companies that produce water.
Hon. Kekura Vandi emphasized the need for different departments, including generation and distribution, to ensure efficient service delivery. He encouraged his colleague MPs to critically look at the Bill before its passage into law.
Hon. Musa Fofana urged Ministries, departments, and agencies to respect Parliament in order to have a harmonious working relationship that would strengthen national development. Implementation of the law he noted would yield dividends.
Hon. Ing. Falkah Tengbeh described the Bill as a progressive law with the aim of protecting the water consumers, producers, and developing the country. He added that compliance with the law would be ensured, and additionally, energy would be addressed.
Deputy Leader 2 of Opposition, Hon. Aaron Koroma highlighted the importance of managing plastic waste and spoke about concerns on fire incidents related to electricity and management plastic water.
Rounding up thd debate, the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo stressed the need for clear roles, responsibilities, and boundaries within the commission to avoid conflicts. He suggested the conduct of robust parliamentary oversight in that direction to ensure performance, avoid political interference, and promote national interest in service delivery.
Concluding, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Sulaiman Marray-Conteh acknowledged the commitments of the government to making progressive laws geared towards development. He assured colleague Members of Parliament that issues and concerns raised would be looked into during the course of the passage. He assured that the Ministry would consider tabling an annual tariff report to Parliament.
The Minister assured that concerns raised by Members would be addressed, and the ministry would strengthen its relationship with Parliament.
