SLEWRC Holds Handover as Festus Kallay Assumes Office as Director- General

The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) held a formal leadership transition ceremony on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at its headquarters located at 55 Berwick Street, Freetown, as outgoing Director-General Dr. Emmanuel Mannah handed over to Festus Kallay.

Dr. Mannah reflected on institutional growth achieved during his time in office, recalling that he began with five staff and a single office. He stated that under his leadership, SLEWRC expanded into a multi-department regulator with regional offices in Bo, Kenema and Makeni, established a compliance department, modernized its licensing system, developed 19 regulatory instruments, and produced the electricity and water Codes. He also highlighted the passage of the SLEWRC Act 2025 and reported revenue growth from approximately Nle 400.000 to about 4.5 Million Leones generated through levies, licences fees, penalties and government supports. Dr. Mannah urged continued attention on levy compliance and staff remuneration harmonization.

Festus Kallay, a finance and administrative professional with more than 18 years experience in the public sectors, pledged to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor. In his first public statement as Director- General, Mr. Kallay said his immediate priorities will include operational efficiency, resource mobilization, strengthening ICT systems, and improving levy compliance to ensure the Commission’s sustainability and effectiveness. He emphasized transparency, accountability and improved service outcomes for consumers as guiding principles for the Commission’s work.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Max- Kyne, called for close collaboration between the Ministry, SLEWRC, and the advisory board to balance technical regulation with political guidance and to accelerate sector progress.

Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana, representing the Board stressed that all entities producing water and electricity must be certified and comply with regulatory standards and pledged the Board’s full support to the new Director- General.

Stakeholders at the event urged staff to remain united in advancing policy implementation, addressing challenges such as levy compliance, staff remuneration, and consolidating institutional gains.

Both outgoing and incoming Director-Generals expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Board, Management, Staff, and development partners for their support.

In conclusion, the handover signals a transition aimed at institutional consolidation and enhanced regulatory oversight as SLEWRC continues its mandate to ensure reliable, affordable, and safe electricity and water services for all Sierra Leoneans.