The Director of Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Michael Ibrahim Kabia has described the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) as a white elephant.

Addressing a news conference on the occasion making World Telecommunications Day on Friday May 19th 2023, Mr. Kabia accused the Fund of collecting monies from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) without doing much for the people of Sierra Leone and to the expectations of government and consumers.

“When I was at NATCOM, we recommended for the establishment of UADF. The Fund is meant to serve the underserved communities but much has not been realized over the years despite the amount they are collecting,” Mr. Kabia told journalists while responding to questions about the operations of UADF.

He said UADF is expected to give money to MNOs to improve the network and install new  towers in underserved communities with a view to increase accessibility and affordability, which he noted is not being done.

“Tell me from  2010 to date the improvement UADF has done in the communications sector. The authorities continue to say they don’t have money. If there is no money, then quit,” he emphasized.

In his contribution, the Executive Director of Accountability Now Sierra Leone, William Sao Lamin said the Fund is not making the much needed impact for the people of Sierra Leone. He blamed government and UADF for all the challenges the latter is facing.

“UADF has twenty eight staff and I told them to reduce the number to eleven which they have done. I was expecting to see a telecentre at Masiaka but the authority always say they don’t have funds. When you ask the Minister of Information and Communications, he will tell you that money is not available,” Sao-Lamin said.