By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously passed the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act, 2025, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the electricity, water, and sanitation sectors. The landmark legislation aims to enhance service delivery, increase institutional accountability, and clarify inter-agency responsibilities.
This reform marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s effort to modernize its utility governance structure and improve transparency in pricing and consumer protection.
The newly passed law structured into 14 parts creates an independent Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, which will be tasked with submitting annual tariff reports to Parliament, handling consumer complaints through a dedicated unit, enhancing oversight and reducing conflicts between regulatory bodies and promoting fair pricing, service quality, and accessibility.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah, presented the Bill, stating that the Act reinforces the government’s commitment to citizen-centered reforms and institutional transparency.
During the debate, Members of Parliament from both sides emphasized the need for a strong and independent regulatory body.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip and Chair of the Water Resources Committee, expressed concern over limited engagement between the Ministry and Parliament. He advocated for a functional separation between electricity and water regulation to improve efficiency and accountability.
Hon. Kekura Vandi called for clear operational boundaries between electricity generation and distribution agencies, warning against inefficiencies caused by overlapping mandates.
Hon. Musa Fofana urged mutual respect and collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Parliament, noting the long-term public benefits of proper implementation.
Hon. Ing. Falkah Tengbeh praised the Act as “progressive,” emphasizing its dual focus on national development and consumer protection, especially in expanding access to reliable electricity and clean water.
Hon. Aaron Koroma, Deputy Leader 2 of the Opposition, raised environmental concerns, particularly around plastic waste management and the fire risks posed by inadequate electricity infrastructure.
Capping the debate, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, stressed the need for institutional clarity and called for rigorous parliamentary oversight to shield the Commission from political interference.
Hon. Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, Acting Leader of Government Business, welcomed the constructive feedback from Parliament and assured members of the government’s commitment to submitting annual tariff reports, addressing oversight concerns and implementing meaningful reforms that reflect public interest.
In closing, Minister Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with Parliament and ensuring that the new regulatory framework is implemented in line with national development goals.