By Staff Writer
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) has participated in a high-level stakeholder engagement on the review of institutional structures at the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), in a process spearheaded by the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU). The three-day engagement, held from April 16 to 18, 2026, at the Occasion Resort in Lakka, brought together key actors across Sierra Leone’s water and electricity sectors. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance service delivery, and ensure that the EWRC remains responsive to the country’s evolving development needs.
Speaking at the opening session, the Chairman of the EWRC Board of Directors, Honourable P.K. Lansana Ing., expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their participation and commitment to institutional reform. He described the engagement as a significant milestone in the Commission’s transformation agenda. “This engagement signals an important step in the reform of the Commission, as it seeks to review a broad range of structures, including regulatory and governance frameworks,” he said. “The outcome of this process will help reposition the Commission to better deliver on its mandate.”
Representing NWRMA, the Director of Legal, Regulations and Outreach, Abu Bakarr Iscandri Conteh Esq., underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening regulatory institutions. He noted that such bodies are established by law to address critical systemic gaps, and their effectiveness depends largely on compliance and cooperation among stakeholders. “The success of regulatory institutions is closely tied to compliance, which can be significantly enhanced through strategic collaboration,” Conteh stated. “Partnership among institutions is essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable impact.”
Participants at the engagement examined key aspects of EWRC’s institutional architecture, including governance systems, operational efficiency, and regulatory effectiveness. Discussions also focused on identifying gaps and proposing reforms that would align the Commission with international best practices. The joint initiative by PSRU and EWRC highlights the growing emphasis on inclusive stakeholder engagement in Sierra Leone’s public sector reform agenda.
By reviewing and refining the Commission’s structures, the process is expected to contribute to a more robust regulatory environment—one that supports sustainable development, safeguards consumer interests, and promotes growth in the electricity and water sectors. The engagement is anticipated to culminate in a set of actionable recommendations that will guide the restructuring and modernization of the EWRC in the months ahead.
