The Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability has wrapped up a four-day nationwide oversight mission into local councils, raising red flags over financial irregularities, procurement breaches, and delayed government allocations that continue to undermine service delivery.
From August 18 to 21, the Committee, chaired by Hon. Ambross Maada Lebby, engaged 18 councils including Kambia, Port Loko, Kono, Koinadugu, Karene, Tonkolili, Bombali, Makeni, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, Bo, and Bonthe. The probe sought to scrutinize compliance, financial management, and accountability practices.
Addressing council officials, Hon. Lebby stressed that the exercise was not a witch-hunt but a constitutional mandate to protect public interest. “Parliament does not witch anyone. We are here to ensure full compliance and effective service delivery for the people of Sierra Leone,” he said, urging council administrators to cooperate.
Council chiefs and finance officers presented progress reports on ongoing projects and challenges, with many citing late disbursement of central government funds as a major setback to local governance.
However, the Committee’s findings painted a troubling picture:
- Several councils were in breach of Section 119 of the Local Government Act, 2022.
- Discrepancies were uncovered in official records.
- Procurement laws were flouted, with some councils failing to advertise tenders as required.
- Certain development funds were poorly managed, yielding little or no value for money.
- On a positive note, the Committee observed improvements in gender inclusiveness in council structures.
In some districts, residents voiced frustration over stalled projects, including unfinished community facilities that were expected to be completed months ago. “We were promised a new health post, but the site has been abandoned. Meanwhile, our women still travel miles to access basic healthcare,” a concerned mother in Kono lamented during the Committee’s visit.
The Committee further reminded councils of its partnership with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is currently reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen accountability mechanisms across government institutions.
With public trust in local governance at stake, the Committee pledged to follow up with recommendations and ensure corrective action. “Our duty is clear,” Hon. Lebby reaffirmed. “Every Leone allocated must be used transparently and for the benefit of the people.”
