By Ragan M. Conteh

The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources has summoned various officials from water sectors including National Water Resources Management Agency, SALWACO, Guma Valley and Ministry of Water Resources responsible for the provision of water for the population across the country.

According to the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the engagement was triggered by the pressure they as representatives from their constituents regarding inadequate availability and accessibility of water in their communities.

Hon. Kamara stated that access to water has become one of the key issues affecting not just the people from the capital cities but even those in rural communities where there are several sources.

The chairman of the committee stated that in spite of the monies allocated for the provision of clean water supply, the people are still drinking contaminated water across Sierra Leone.

He said before he became the Chairman of the committee, he visited many projects aimed at providing water, but unfortunately some of them never stood the test of time.

Hon. AKK insisted that this time around the committee will not only limit itself inviting stakeholders to Parliament, but will also make field visits to find out how monies provided for water productivity are expended.

The MP said domestic water is indispensable for daily use, but yet its effective management in the water sector continues to encounter numerous challenges that impact household consumers.

He said the committee aims to identify the challenges leading to inadequate supply and uneven distribution, while proposing interventions to enhance water supply for households across Sierra Leone.

He revealed some primary factors responsible for the inadequate and unequal distribution of water especially in rural areas including but not limited to wastage, water scarcity during prolonged dry seasons and population growth.

However, officials from the water sectors have attributed the delays in some projects to the lack of finance in addition to other challenges including rampant destruction of pipes, faulty meters and destruction of pipes and other important facilities.