By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade and Industry has called on Gulf Water Company to strengthen its operations, expand production capacity, and continue contributing to local development as it grows within Sierra Leone’s water industry.
The appeal was made during an engagement between the Committee and the Management of Gulf Water Company as part of Parliament’s oversight mandate over businesses operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, Chairperson of the Committee, who explained that the engagement was intended to provide Parliament with a better understanding of the company’s operations, identify challenges affecting its performance, and explore ways of supporting business growth and industrial development.
Hon. Sesay emphasized that the Committee serves as Parliament’s principal oversight body for businesses within the trade sector. She noted that Parliament’s engagement with private sector institutions is not intended to intimidate businesses but rather to foster collaboration and address challenges that may hinder growth and productivity.
She further observed that since Gulf Water Company commenced operations, the Committee had not previously engaged in the company and advised that future appearances before Parliament should include senior management officials capable of addressing technical, financial, and operational matters.
Presenting on behalf of Management, Operations Manager Mr. Ivan Williams informed the Committee that Gulf Water Company began operations in 2014 with the objective of providing clean, safe, hygienic, and affordable drinking water to consumers across Sierra Leone.
He explained that the company initially focused on bottled water production before introducing sachet water products to meet the growing demand for potable water in Smart Farm and surrounding communities with limited access to safe drinking water.
Mr. Williams stated that the company remains fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements and works closely with institutions such as the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant regulatory bodies.
He added that Gulf Water Company undergoes regular inspections and water quality testing to ensure compliance with public health, safety, and environmental standards.
On employment and staff welfare, Management disclosed that the company currently employs approximately 80 workers, representing significant growth from the 20 to 30 employees engaged when operations first began.
According to Management, more than 99 percent of the workforce consists of Sierra Leoneans, with approximately 30 percent recruited from the host community. Employees receive wages above the national minimum wage, are registered with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), and enjoy other statutory employment benefits.
The Operations Manager further explained that staff members are provided with protective equipment, including gloves, uniforms, caps, and sanitation materials. Welfare facilities such as changing rooms, showers, liquid soap, and other hygiene amenities are also maintained to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
Addressing questions on water quality, Management revealed that the company sources its water primarily from Guma Valley Water Company before subjecting it to a series of purification processes.
These treatment stages include sand filtration, carbon filtration, water softening, Reverse Osmosis treatment, and ultraviolet disinfection to ensure the highest standards of water quality and safety before distribution to consumers.
Members of the Committee also sought clarification on competition within the water industry, particularly considering the increasing number of bottled and sachet water producers.
Hon. N’fa Koroma commended the company’s contribution to the supply of safe drinking water and inquired about how Gulf Water Company has managed growing competition within the sector.
In response, Management stated that competition has encouraged continuous improvement in product quality and service delivery while helping to meet increased consumer demand, especially during the dry season and festive periods when water consumption rises significantly.
The Committee further asked whether the company had explored alternative water sources beyond Guma Valley Water Company, considering recurring water supply challenges in Freetown.
Management explained that utilizing underground water sources would require substantial investment and additional treatment processes. As a result, the company continues to rely primarily on Guma Valley Water Company as its main water source.
Explaining the use of Reverse Osmosis technology, Management noted that the system provides an additional layer of purification and quality assurance, ensuring that consumers receive safe and high-quality drinking water.
The Committee was also informed that the company currently operates a single production line capable of producing different package sizes, although not simultaneously. Management acknowledged that this limitation affects overall production efficiency.
Mr. Williams disclosed that Gulf Water Company intends to introduce an additional production line to increase output and modernize operations. However, he noted that financial constraints remain a significant challenge to achieving this objective.
On corporate social responsibility, Management highlighted the company’s ongoing support for its host community through various initiatives, including donations of cement and construction materials, assistance with road improvement projects, and support for community development groups.
The company identified several operational challenges, including irregular water supply from Guma Valley Water Company, frequent electricity outages, limited production capacity, financial constraints, and increasing competition within the bottled and sachet water market.
Despite these challenges, Management reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and expanding its operations to meet growing consumer demand.
Members of the Committee commended Gulf Water Company for its growth since establishment and recognized its contribution to job creation, industrial development, and access to safe drinking water.
The Committee recommended that Management continue investing in modernization and expansion, increase female participation within the workforce, strengthen corporate social responsibility programmes, and maintain close collaboration with relevant government institutions.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay thanked the company’s representatives for their openness and comprehensive presentation. She encouraged Management to view Parliament as a strategic partner in promoting business growth and economic development.
She further urged the company to continue improving its operations while ensuring compliance with national policies on gender inclusion and workforce diversity.
The Committee concluded by assuring Gulf Water Company of Parliament’s continued support in fostering a conducive environment for business growth, investment, and industrial development in Sierra Leone.