Trouble Looms for Underperforming MDAs

By Abdul Rahman Bah

While affirming the committee’s willingness to support the aspirations of government, the Deputy Leader of Government Business made it clear that underperformance would not be tolerated from any Ministry, Department or Agencies (MDAs). The government, particularly the President, expected tangible results, and MPs would not hesitate to take action—including voting out underperforming officials if they failed to deliver. He made this statement during the Oversight Committee engagement with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets at the ministry’s conference room, Tower Hill in Freetown. The engagement came amid a leadership transition, following the appointment of a new Minister of Works and a new Permanent Secretary (PS) in 2024. The first year was considered a grace period, allowing the new officials to settle into their roles and establish operational structures. As the second session of the sixth parliament progressed, the Chairman noted that most members of the Oversight Committee had been retained. This, he said, was an opportunity for them to take a more decisive role in ensuring the ministry’s effectiveness. He emphasized that the Ministry of Works’ performance directly impacted public perception of the government. MPs are often the first point of contact for constituents facing infrastructure challenges—such as poor roads and damaged bridges—since many citizens are unaware of the names of ministers or permanent secretaries but know their MPs’ phone numbers and addresses. The Chairman stressed that ensuring the ministry delivered on its mandate was not just about governance but also critical to MPs’ political futures. A key issue raised during the session was the ministry’s management of government properties, particularly concerns over rental expenditures. The committee pointed out that the government could be spending significant sums on renting private properties when existing government-owned buildings could serve the same purpose. The Chairman cautioned against unnecessary reliance on private rentals, emphasizing that public funds should be used efficiently. He also raised concerns that the ministry’s actions bordered on contempt of Parliament, leading to confusion among both MPs and ministry officials. Addressing the committee’s concerns, the Permanent Secretary (PS) acknowledged that all documents presented were prepared by the ministry’s professional staff. However, as the ministry’s chief administrative officer, she took full responsibility for any shortcomings in documentation or operations. The Minister of Works reiterated the PS’s pivotal role in ministry operations, highlighting that civil servants were the backbone of government performance. He reassured MPs that all requested documents had been provided and there was no intention to withhold or obscure information. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaboration and transparency. MPs reaffirmed their duty to hold the ministry accountable while also providing the necessary support to address operational challenges. Both Parliament and the Ministry of Works acknowledged the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, ensuring efficient use of public resources, and prioritizing the interests of the people of Sierra Leone. The session underscored Parliament’s firm stance on accountability and performance, reinforcing the need for strong governance and responsible leadership in the nation’s infrastructure development.