By Ragan M. Conteh

The Member of Parliament from Kambia District who doubles as the opposition Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara says “it is shame on us as a nation for failing to fixed up our State Owned Enterprises.”

Hon. Kamara made the submissions during the debate on the, State Owned Enterprises and governance bill 2025.

The MP highlighted the numerous challenges faced by State owned enterprises.

He said institutions of governance have become dormant due to either lack of funds or inefficiency of leaders in those institutions.

He mentioned Guma Valley which is one of the State owned enterprises that cannot meet to their targets.

He however called for enhancement of that government owned institution so that they can challenge other private institutions.

Hon. AKK asked why SOEs are not effective, he also cited many instances on how as nation is not serious to strengthen SOEs to become efficient and effective.

“Sierratel alone if fixed up and be effective can take care of the salaries of all workers, ” Hon Kamara stated.

What is more disturbing Hon. Kamara stated that most of our viable and revenue generated institutions have been privatized.

He emphasized the need as a nation to boost up institutions that give government the much needed revenue than to privatize them.

The MP has also revealed that, most of the government institutions have to pay Guma Valley Company.

The opposition whip pointed out that instead of as parliament trying to repealed or close institutions and creates another ones let them work towards financially strengthening them.

He pointed out that making new institutions will bring more burdens on government and the same situation will arise at the end of the day.

However, the MP has urged Parliament to summon all SOEs in Parliament and explain as to why some of them  are not effective in their operations.