The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Communication Technology and Innovation, chaired by Hon. Boston Munda, concluded a three-day oversight visit on June 29, 2024, to evaluate broadband internet connectivity and mobile network accessibility in Port Loko, Bo, Kenema, and Moyamba Districts. The Committee assessed the infrastructure and services of NaTCA, UADF, and SALPOST.

Hon. Munda praised the support from Parliament and the Government, emphasizing the constitutional mandate to oversee these entities. He stated that the visits were crucial for obtaining firsthand information on their operations and addressing challenges.

In Port Loko, the Committee visited the burnt SALPOST office and resolved a land dispute between SALPOST and landowners. In Bo, they assessed the Postal Service and NaTCA. Acting Post Master Mr. Willey Davies explained the letter receipt and dispatch process and highlighted distribution and maintenance challenges. NaTCA’s Acting Manager, Engineer Mohamed Kembeh, detailed their monitoring activities and issues with obtaining police permits for cybercrime investigations.

In Kenema, the Post Office had deplorable conditions, with only two retired staff managing operations. NaTCA’s facility faced criticism for poor management and the absence of monitoring equipment. Large quantities of unregistered SIM cards were found, with Qcell being the most compliant in proper registration.

In Moyamba’s Yoyema community, the Committee participated in the launch of a rural telephone project by UADF and the Ministry of Technology and Innovation. Hon. Munda praised the initiative, urging the community to safeguard the infrastructure, and called for more support to UADF for expanding projects to underserved areas.

Hon. Munda highlighted the roles of MPs in legislation, representation, and oversight, stressing that many benefits enjoyed by Sierra Leoneans are due to positive laws passed by Parliament. He advocated for continued support to UADF for more projects in deprived communities across the country.