By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Committee on Communications has identified several network, infrastructure, and safety challenges affecting Orange Sierra Leone’s operations during a nationwide oversight tour, prompting lawmakers to call for urgent improvements in telecommunications service delivery.
The oversight exercise, led by Committee Chairman Hon. Boston Munda, concluded in Bo on Sunday after the Committee inspected Orange facilities stretching from Newton in the Western Area Rural District through Port Loko, Moyamba Junction, Taiama, Jembe Town, and Bo City.
The tour, which involved civil society representatives, media practitioners, and officials from Orange Sierra Leone, was part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight mandate to assess the quality of telecommunications services and evaluate the condition of critical infrastructure across the country.
During the inspection, Members of Parliament observed weak network coverage in some locations, aging equipment, environmental concerns, and safety risks that they said continue to affect reliable service delivery.
At Newton, the Committee experienced poor network reception before visiting the Orange telecommunications site. Company officials explained that increased data usage, partly driven by the ongoing “Kola Promotion,” has placed additional pressure on network capacity. They also informed the Committee that delays in importing telecommunications equipment have slowed down plans for network expansion and modernization.
In Port Loko, lawmakers expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the telecommunications facility after observing oil leakages, exposed electrical cables, and other maintenance challenges. Residents also raised concerns about persistent internet connectivity problems in the area.
The Committee further identified operational challenges at Moyamba Junction, including fuel spillages, generator noise, and safety concerns linked to microwave installations. Orange officials assured the Committee that corrective measures were being taken while maintaining that the site’s power supply remained stable.
At Taiama, lawmakers observed aging generators and equipment that may be contributing to inconsistent network performance. Residents from Taiama, Mile 91, and Makoth reported frequent service interruptions, describing situations where network connectivity regularly goes on and off.
The oversight team also visited a remote telecommunications facility in Jembe Town, where it observed overgrown vegetation and difficult road access. Community leaders informed the Committee that although land was provided for the facility, no formal agreement had been finalized with the community following construction.
The Committee recommended that Orange Sierra Leone strengthen its engagement with host communities, improve security around rural telecommunications facilities, and ensure better maintenance of its infrastructure.
Orange officials informed the Committee that the company currently operates 49 rural sites nationwide, with each site capable of serving more than 500 subscribers.
The inspection also highlighted positive developments, with lawmakers describing the Langba Street facility in Bo as a model installation due to its modern equipment, solar-powered system, and reliable backup power infrastructure.
Orange Sierra Leone further informed the Committee that a nationwide network optimization and modernization programme would begin once approximately 70 containers of telecommunications equipment arrive in the country. The company also identified fuel theft at some operational sites as one of its major challenges.
Concluding the oversight exercise, Committee Chairman Hon. Boston Munda said Parliament had identified several critical issues requiring immediate attention, including network reliability, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety concerns.
He urged Orange Sierra Leone to speed up its modernization programme, address safety challenges at vulnerable sites, and strengthen collaboration with communities hosting telecommunications facilities to ensure that Sierra Leoneans have access to reliable and quality network services.