The Prevention Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office in Kenema, with support from the Commission’s Public Education Unit in the region, has, in an inception meeting with management staff of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) in the region urged the Company to develop and erect a citizens’ service charter to improve service delivery. The meeting took place on the 11th January, 2024, at SALWACO’s Maxwell Kobby Street Office in Kenema.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Prevention Officer of ACC, Abibatu Abu Mattia, said that development and erection of the citizens’ service charter is a call from His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio in order to enhance accountability and transparency in public institutions. She said it the duty of the Commission, as enshrined in section 7 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, to ensure that this laudable activity is implemented by service delivery institutions. Mrs Mattia said that the citizens are the employers of all Public and Civil Servants, who should be accountable and transparent to the public.
Public Education Officer of the ACC, Patrick Hinga George, explained the magnitude of destruction corruption has caused to lives and property in Sierra Leone and admonished the staff to turn their backs from all corruption-related activities and be very diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities. Mr. George also explained some of the key corruption offences in the Act and their corresponding penalties, and reminded them of the Commission’s zero tolerance approach for corruption.
Responding, the Regional Manager of SALWACO, Lansana B. Sawei, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the engagement. He said that the Commission has indeed shown its continued and proactive effort in totally curbing corruption. In his conclusion, Mr. Sawei assured the Commission that they will take into consideration all required steps to develop and erect the citizens’ service charter in the best interest of the public.
Senior Public Education Officer, Edward N. Blake, summed the entire meeting as an enforcement of the Commission's mandate in fostering partnership, and also ensuring that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government are in sync with the compliance manual. Mr Blake encouraged the management of SALWACO to sign a memorandum of understanding with the ACC to address the perennial problems of destruction of pipes by mining companies, road contractors, and the non-payment of bills. Mr Blake reiterated that the ACC is mandated by law to take all steps necessary to prevent, suppress and eradicate corruption in Sierra LeoneThe Prevention Unit of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Eastern Regional Office in Kenema, with support from the Commission’s Public Education Unit in the region, has, in an inception meeting with management staff of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) in the region urged the Company to develop and erect a citizens’ service charter to improve service delivery. The meeting took place on the 11th January, 2024, at SALWACO’s Maxwell Kobby Street Office in Kenema.Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Prevention Officer of ACC, Abibatu Abu Mattia, said that development and erection of the citizens’ service charter is a call from His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio in order to enhance accountability and transparency in public institutions. She said it the duty of the Commission, as enshrined in section 7 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, to ensure that this laudable activity is implemented by service delivery institutions. Mrs Mattia said that the citizens are the employers of all Public and Civil Servants, who should be accountable and transparent to the public.
Public Education Officer of the ACC, Patrick Hinga George, explained the magnitude of destruction corruption has caused to lives and property in Sierra Leone and admonished the staff to turn their backs from all corruption-related activities and be very diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities. Mr. George also explained some of the key corruption offences in the Act and their corresponding penalties, and reminded them of the Commission’s zero tolerance approach for corruption.
Responding, the Regional Manager of SALWACO, Lansana B. Sawei, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the engagement. He said that the Commission has indeed shown its continued and proactive effort in totally curbing corruption. In his conclusion, Mr. Sawei assured the Commission that they will take into consideration all required steps to develop and erect the citizens’ service charter in the best interest of the public.
Senior Public Education Officer, Edward N. Blake, summed the entire meeting as an enforcement of the Commission's mandate in fostering partnership, and also ensuring that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government are in sync with the compliance manual. Mr Blake encouraged the management of SALWACO to sign a memorandum of understanding with the ACC to address the perennial problems of destruction of pipes by mining companies, road contractors, and the non-payment of bills. Mr Blake reiterated that the ACC is mandated by law to take all steps necessary to prevent, suppress and eradicate corruption in Sierra Leone