By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources has urged the Management of Guma Valley Water Company to intensify efforts to address the persistent water supply challenges affecting communities across the Western Area.
The call was made during an engagement between the Committee and the Company’s Management, led by its Managing Director, on 19 June 2026 at Committee Room One, Parliament Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, stated that the engagement was intended to identify practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the water sector, rather than serving as a routine parliamentary exercise.
He expressed concern over the inadequacy of water supply services amid rapid population growth and urban expansion, emphasizing the need for improved service delivery, particularly in hospitals, schools, and rapidly growing communities such as Waterloo, Calaba Town, and Calverton.
The Committee also requested that Guma Valley Water Company provide a comprehensive list of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), institutions, and other entities with outstanding debts owed to the Company. According to the Committee, the information will enable Parliament to engage the Ministry of Finance on possible recovery measures, including deductions at source, to settle outstanding obligations.
Responding to the Committee’s concerns, the Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company outlined several measures being implemented to improve water supply and reduce losses within the distribution network.
He identified water leakages as one of the Company’s most significant operational challenges, noting that substantial resources are spent each month on leak detection, repairs, and maintenance.
According to the Managing Director, the Company has established a Community Services Department to improve access to water through the provision of community water tanks and other support initiatives in underserved areas.
He further disclosed that a nationwide metering programme is currently underway. Thousands of water meters have already been procured, with installation ongoing across various communities. The programme is expected to improve revenue collection, enhance water management, and significantly expand metering coverage by 2027.
The Managing Director also informed the Committee that several government institutions owe substantial amounts to Guma Valley Water Company. He explained that these debts have negatively affected the Company’s financial stability and its ability to meet key obligations, including gratuity payments to retired staff.
He assured Members of Parliament that Management would submit a detailed list of indebted institutions to the Committee through the Office of the Clerk within one week.
The Committee welcomed the commitment and pledged to engage relevant government institutions to support debt recovery efforts.
Addressing concerns regarding water supply in hospitals, the Managing Director explained that while many health facilities are connected to dedicated water supply lines, some continue to experience internal plumbing and maintenance challenges that affect water distribution within their premises.
He noted that Guma Valley Water Company has intervened in several cases and intends to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health to improve water management systems in healthcare facilities.
Providing updates on major infrastructure projects, the Managing Director highlighted progress on the Angola Town Water Supply Project, which has received approval for expansion under a World Bank-funded initiative. He noted that the procurement process is expected to commence soon.
He also reported significant improvements at the Regent Water Storage Project, including the construction of additional storage tanks, as well as increased raw water storage capacity at the Congo Dam.
According to the Managing Director, these ongoing interventions will boost water treatment capacity and improve water availability across the Western Area, particularly during the dry season.
Members of the Committee commended the Management of Guma Valley Water Company for its openness, transparency, and commitment to addressing longstanding challenges within the sector.
They encouraged the Company to sustain efforts aimed at reducing water leakages, expanding services to underserved communities, ensuring reliable water supply to public institutions, and prioritizing the maintenance of critical infrastructure.
The Committee also reaffirmed Parliament’s willingness to support the Company in addressing institutional, operational, and financial constraints affecting its performance.
Closing the meeting, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara reiterated Parliament’s commitment to working closely with Guma Valley Water Company to improve water supply and service delivery across the Western Area and Sierra Leone as a whole.
He urged Management to submit the requested debt information promptly and maintain regular engagement with Parliament as both institutions work together to advance sustainable solutions within the water sector.