Sierra Leone’s Parliament has concluded a week of intense oversight and legislative activity, with committees probing local councils and state institutions while lawmakers passed a new national planning law and ratified major road and energy agreements.
The Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability wrapped up a four-day inspection of local councils across the country, reviewing compliance with financial and procurement rules.
Committee chair Hon. Ambross Maada Lebby stressed that Parliament’s role was not to “witch-hunt” but to ensure effective service delivery. The delegation engaged councils in districts including Kambia, Port Loko, Kono, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, Bombali, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, Bo, and Bonthe.
In a separate two-day exercise, the Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation, chaired by Hon. Boston Munda, reviewed the performance of line ministries and telecoms operators.
Munda raised concerns over the gap between advertised 4G/5G services and rural realities, where many communities still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks. He urged stricter enforcement of service standards.
Communications Minister Salima Monorma Bah highlighted progress including the launch of Sierra Leone’s first open-access 5G network, rural connectivity programmes, and ICT training for 1,500 young people. She admitted, however, that state firms such as Sierratel and SALPOST face institutional challenges.
Telecoms operators Africell and Orange outlined their investments in expanding 4G and 5G readiness, with MPs praising affordability and technological upgrades but urging improvements in rural coverage and customer service.
The Public Accounts Committee continued hearings with ministries, departments, and agencies on the Auditor General’s 2023 report.
Meanwhile, the Defence Committee, chaired by Hon. Alex Rogers, toured military facilities including the Tekko Barracks in Makeni and Gondama Barracks in Bo. MPs noted improvements in welfare and food supplies under new Chief of Defence Staff General Adara Bangura, alongside a 500-acre military cashew farm in Port Loko.
Lawmakers also passed the National Country Planning Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening sustainable development, disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, and public participation in planning decisions. The bill was piloted by Lands and Housing Minister Dr. Tuard Senesie.
The Act provides for stronger enforcement of planning rules and harmonises Sierra Leone’s development objectives with international commitments, including climate and human rights obligations.
Parliament ratified concession agreements for the reconstruction and tolling of the Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh road, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with Societe Djura Maritel Construction (SDMCO) Ltd and partners.
The 85-kilometre project will be delivered under a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DFBOT) arrangement. Works Minister Dr. Denis Sandi described it as “a significant step in expanding Sierra Leone’s infrastructure,” with potential to boost growth and connectivity.
MPs also endorsed regulations under the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, covering mini-grids and sector reforms.
