The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Sierra Leone’s Parliament has directed the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) to install water meters in all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), excluding hospitals.

This move comes in response to chronic issues of unpaid water bills by MDAs, significantly impacting GVWC’s operations. The company has struggled to pay employees and meet tax obligations due to outstanding debts.

“Numerous MDAs have accumulated significant debts with Guma Valley, jeopardizing the company’s financial stability and hindering their compliance with National Revenue Authority (NRA) and National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions,” stated PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.

Hon. Conteh further expressed concern about the delayed transfer of deducted PAYE taxes by MDAs, including GVWC, to the NRA and NASSIT.

“To address this issue,” declared Hon. Conteh, “I am ordering Guma Valley Water Company to install prepaid water meters in all government institutions, except for Connaught Hospital, PCMH, and other hospitals. The installations must begin immediately, with a progress report submitted by the end of July.”

Hon. Conteh emphasized the importance of this measure in achieving targeted revenue collection by the NRA. Hon. Aaron Koroma echoed these sentiments, highlighting the persistent problem of non-payment by MDAs and the necessity for decisive action to prevent its recurrence.

The PAC’s intervention aims to establish financial accountability within MDAs and ensure timely payments of taxes and social security contributions.