SLEWRC Engages Bottled Water Companies on Compliance and Regulatory Framework
In an effort to improve the regulation and quality of bottled water companies in the country, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) has engaged key stakeholders of the bottled water industry on compliance and the Commission’s regulatory framework. The meeting, which took place on the 7th of August 2024 in the Commission’s headquarters at Berwick Street, focused on several key areas relating to the water sector industry, ranging from the importance of market regulation to ensure quality and sustainability to growing concerns about water quality standards and best practices. Dr. Mannah, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) noted that there has been a significant growth in the bottled water sector, hence the need to regulate water quality and quantity. The Director General spoke about the importance of competition, market entry, and the stringent licensing processes. He also talked about compliance measures and the expectation from businesses to uphold the Commission’s regulatory standards in order to avoid penalties. He further dilated on the importance of labeling and batching to combat issues such as expiration dates, water quality, shelf life, and fake products. On his part, the Deputy Director General, Sama I. Sandy, remarked that the Commission has been monitoring the growth of the bottled water market, and is therefore eager to see these businesses expand beyond Sierra Leone. He explained the Government’s role in ensuring products standards and best practices. Mr. Sandy pointed out that the Commission’s engagement with industry stakeholders is geared towards understanding the challenges they face and providing the necessary support. He admonished the water companies to expedite the licensing process before the end of the month, and explained the importance of implementing strict labeling and batching requirements for water products starting next year in order to ensure compliance including EWRC’s registration number, production date, and expiration date. Mrs. Desireemarg B. Augustine, the head of Legal and Compliance informed water producers that established companies are familiar with the licensing process, while new entrants must obtain a license from the Commission. She expressed the importance of following licensing processes and criteria and compliance measures to avoid punitive actions. Water Engineer, Arnold Williams, outlined the parameters and processes required for applying for licenses from the Commission. In response to concerns raised by the Water Companies regarding the Union, the Union Representative explained the importance of union legislation, and the challenges posed by multiple regulatory bodies. He expressed the Union’s legitimacy and its role in effectively representing all water companies, The meeting ended with the EWRC officials reiterating their commitment to supporting water companies in meeting regulatory requirements while promoting public health and safety.
Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Opens New Regional Office in Kenema
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) proudly inaugurated its new regional office in Kenema on 2nd August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and improve service delivery in the water and electricity sectors across the Eastern region of Sierra Leone. The event, held at the Kenema City Plaza, commenced at 10:00 AM with an attendance of distinguished guests, community leaders, and representatives from various stakeholders. The ceremony was masterfully guided by Commissioner Saidu Boakarie, who delivered the welcome and opening remarks, setting a tone of enthusiasm and commitment for the occasion. A moment of unity and reflection followed, as attendees participated in prayers led in both Christian and Muslim traditions, emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the event. Deputy Director General, Sama I. Sandy, took the podium to introduce the esteemed guests and attendees, acknowledging the presence of key figures who have played pivotal roles in advancing the regulatory landscape of Sierra Leone. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Member of Parliament representing the Oversight Committee on Water, Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh. His speech highlighted the critical importance of effective regulation in ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of water and electricity services, and he lauded the SLEWRC for its proactive measures in expanding its regional presence. Special remarks were also made by the President of the Sierra Leone Water Union, Mustapha A.S Skaikay, who underscored the collaborative efforts between the Union and the Commission in driving sector reforms and improving service quality for the citizens of Sierra Leone. A comprehensive presentation on the role and impact of the SLEWRC was given by Director General Emmanuel Manah. He detailed the Commission’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future plans, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new regional office in facilitating closer engagement with local stakeholders and enhancing regulatory compliance. The highlight of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting event, symbolizing the official opening of the Kenema office. The ribbon, adorned in the national colors of green, white, and blue, was jointly cut by a representative from the district council, the Honorable Member of Parliament, and the Commissioners of the SLEWRC, signifying a unified commitment to progress and development. In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, Communications Officer Komba Ngongou expressed gratitude to all attendees and partners for their support and participation. He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. The event concluded with refreshments and a networking session, providing an opportunity for guests to engage in meaningful discussions and forge stronger collaborative ties. The opening of the SLEWRC Regional Office in Kenema represents a crucial step towards decentralized regulation and improved access to regulatory services for communities in the Eastern region. The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans have access to reliable, efficient, and sustainable water and electricity services.
SLEWRC CONCLUDES NATIONWIDE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON REVIEW OF THE SLEWRC’s Act 2011
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC ) has successfully concluded its public consultations on the proposed review of the SLEWRC Act 2011, to solicit input from key stakeholders, industry experts and community members about a potential repeal and replacement of the SLEWRC Act of 2011. On Monday, 2nd September, 2024 a pivotal stakeholder consultation gathering was held at the SALWACO Conference Hall in Tower Hill, Freetown, focusing specifically on the water sectors. Dr. Emmanuel Mannah, Director General of the SLEWRC emphasized the necessity of a thorough review of its current Act. He stressed that rather than reviewing certain provisions of the existing legislation, a complete repeal and replacement would be a more robust solution to address the evolving challenges within the water sector. The Legal consultant, Alfred Paul Juwah Esq, during his presentation provided insights into the limitations of the existing SLEWRC Act No. 13 of 2011, stressing that the outdated Act impedes on the commission’s ability to operate effectively and efficiently in regulating water and electricity respectively. He reiterated the importance of clearly defining the commission’s role to prioritize the delivery of high-quality of electricity and water services to the citizens of Sierra Leone. The legal luminary revealed concerns about the terms of board members, suggesting that the new legislation should clarify whether Commissioners are to serve on a part-time or full- time basis and specify the nature of their terms. He further recommended that the review Act should retain the current provisions regarding the appointment of the Director General, and introduced a new role for a Deputy Director-General to assist in the commission’s operations. These recommendations emerged following the discussions initiated by a Judicial Review Committee meeting held on March 16, 2023, which aimed to strengthen the SLEWRC’s oversight capacities over public utilities, including the Guma Valley Water Company. As it stands, the existing Act mandates that the chairman and other commission members, with the exception of the Director-General, serve three-year terms with the possibility of one term reappointment. Mr. Paul Juwah Esq further proposed for an expansion of the Act’s language to more explicitly delineate regulatory duties and suggested the inclusion of a legal professional appointed by the President to the SLEWRC board. Hon. Musa Lahai, the chairperson of the Committee on Water Resources, encouraged the SLEWRC to advance the draft legislation to the parliamentary committee for additional insights and contributions. This collaborative approach aims to foster a more effective regulatory environment that can adapt to the dynamic needs of Sierra Leone’s electricity and water sectors. Thus, the stakeholder consultation meeting focused on the regulatory framework and market entry for the water and energy sectors, underscoring the need to address competition issues and enhance complaint resolution by transforming communities into a tribunal. Key discussions include establishing a tribunal with quasi-judicial powers, clarifying licensing provisions, and the potential for private sector participation in water provision. Considerations were made regarding tariff harmonization between different water producers, operational costs, and environmental protection enforcement mechanisms. The meeting also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the SLEWRC and other agencies, as well as the need for a balanced approach towards private and public sector roles in the water sector. Participants also made comments as to certain provisions for amendments to the Act, highlighting the reservations of the Guma Valley Water Company and the necessities for clear qualifications for key positions. Action items were established to address private sector participation, review tariff discrepancies, and incorporate stakeholder input into the draft Act, all aiming to facilitate effective regulation and oversight.