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Act, 2002 (Act No 12 0f 2002);
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Contents
- Preamble
- Section 1 — In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires–
- Section 2
- Section 3
- Section 4
- Section 5
- Section 6
- Section 7
- Section 8
- Section 9
- Section 10
- Section 11
- Section 12
- Section 13
- Section 14
- Section 15
- Section 16
- Section 17
- Section 18
- Section 19
- Section 20
- Section 21
- Section 22
- Section 23
- Section 24
- Section 25
- Section 26 — The Managing–Director shall be responsible to -
- Section 27
- Section 28
- Section 29
- Section 30
- Section 31
- Section 32 — (1) Each department referred to in subsection (2) of section
- Section 33
- Section 34
- Section 35
- Section 36
- Section 37
- Section 38 — (1) The Managing-Director –
- Section 39
- Section 40
- Section 41
- Section 42 — (1) The Company shall continue to maintain a Special
- Section 43 — (1) Any person who -
- Section 44
- Section 45
- Section 46 — (1) Any person who –
- Section 47
- Section 48
- Section 49 — Any person who-
- Section 50
- Section 51
- Section 52
- Section 53 — (1) Subject to section 46 of the Electricity and Water
- Section 54
- Section 55
- Section 56
- Section 57
- Section 58
- Section 59 — Where there is a judgment, decision or order against the
- Section 60
- Section 61
- Section 62 — (1) The Guma Valley Water Company (Act, Act No. 3 of
- First Schedule
- Second Schedule
- Third Schedule
THE GUME VALLEY WATER COMPANY , 2016
Being an Act to provide for the continuance in existence of
the Guma Valley Water Company, to provide for the sustainable
supply of water for public and private purposes and to provide for
other related matters.
[ ]
ENACTED by the President and Members of Parliament in this
present Parliament assembled.
Date of commencement.
SIGNED this 3rd day of August , 2017
DR. ERNEST BAI KOROMA,
President.
PART VI–ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
25. Appointment of Managing-Director.
26. Functions of Managing-Director.
27. Other staff of Company.
28. Secondment of public officers.
29. Protection of officers, etc.
30. Experts and consultants.
31. Departments of Company.
32. Directors of Departments.
PART VII—FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
33. Funds of company.
34. Accounts and audit of Company.
35. Financial year of Company.
36. Annual Report.
37. Application of revenue.
38. Financial estimates.
39. Investments.
40. Borrowing powers of Company.
41. Dividends.
42. Special Reserve Fund.
PART VIII — OFFENCES
43. Damage to water works.
44. Misuse or wastage of water.
45. Alteration of pipes or fittings.
46. Fraudulent measurements.
47. Trespass.
48. Use of water.
49. Bathing or washing in water works.
PART IX–MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
50. Operational plans and budget.
51. Performance agreements.
52. Technical Services.
53. Water tariff strategy.
54. Compensation for damages.
55. Acquisition of land.
56. Compulsory acquisition of land.
57. Notice of action.
58. Service of documents.
69. Restriction on execution.
60. Water works exempted from rates.
61. Regulations.
62. Repeal and Savings.
ii
PART I – PRELIMINARY
“Board” means the Board of Directors appointed under
section 3;
“bulk supply of water” means a supply of water for
distribution by bulk to consumers or persons taking
the supply and includes a supply of water under
section 16;
“catchment area” means any area of land or water
from which water contributes to the supply of any
water work and thedemarcation of which has been
agreed between the Company and the relevant local
authority;
“Company” means the Guma Valley Water Company;
“commercial water supply and use” means a water
supply system, including any source, intake,
treatment, storage, transmission or distribution,
that is intended to provide the public with potable
piped water;
“Commission” means the National Commission for
Privatization established under section 3 of the NCP
Act, 2002 (Act No 12 0f 2002);
“consumer” means a person supplied with water by
the Company;
“Council” means the Freetown City Council
established under the Local Government Act, (Act
No. 1 of 2004);
“domestic water supply and use” means a supply of
water for drinking, washing, cooking and sanitary
purpose, and includes a supply for the purposes of
a profession carried on in any premises, the greater
part whereof is used as a dwelling and where the
water is drawn from a tap inside a house and no
hosepipe or similar apparatus is used, a supply for
watering a garden and for washing vehicles kept for
private use and domestic water use shall be
construed accordingly;
“Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission’’ means
the Commission established under the Electricity and
Water Regulatory Commission Act, 2012;
“fire authority” means the Sierra Leone Fire Force;
“Guma land” means the land described in Part I of the
First Schedule and the construction thereon
described in Part II of that Schedule;
“Guma works” means the work carried out and the
land described in Part III of the First Schedule;
“limits of supply” means the area of supply as provided
in section 13 as may be varied from time to time by
the Commission;
“local authority” means a public body created under
the Local Government Act, 2004, exercising authority
within a specified area or space;
“Managing-Director” means the Managing-Director
of the Company appointed under section 25;
“main” means a pipe transferred to or laid by the
Company for the purpose of giving a general supply
of water as distinct from a supply to individual
consumers, and includes any apparatus used in
connection with such a pipe;
“meter” includes any appliance used to measure or
ascertain amounts of water, but does not include a
gauge;
2 3
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for water
resources and ‘’Ministry“ shall be construed
accordingly;
‘‘premises” includes messuages, buildings, lands,
easements and hereditaments of any tenure,
whether open or enclosed and whether public or
private;
“Secretary” means the secretary of the Company
appointed under section 27;
“service pipe” means any pipe for supplying water
from a main to any premises, subject to water
pressure from that main or would be so but for the
closing of some tap, or part of any such pipe, and
includes stopcocks and other necessaryfittings;
“Special Reserve Fund” means the fund established
and maintained under section 42;
“street” includes a highway, a public bridge, land,
pedestrian way, square, court, alley or passage, or
other thoroughfare or open space over which the
public have a right of passage, and whether or not
there are houses in the street;
“water fittings” includes pipes (other than mains), taps,
cocks, valves, ferrules, meters, cisterns, baths, water
closets and similar apparatus used in connection
with the supply and use of water;
“water tariffs and charges” means the tariffs and
charges which the Company is from time to time
authorised to demand and collect for supply of water
and other services;
4 5
PART II—CONTINUATION OF THE GUMA VALLEY WATER
COMPANY
(1) There shall continue in existence the body known asthe Guma Valley Water Company.
(2) The Company shall be a body corporate having
perpetual succession and capable of acquiring, holding and disposing
of property, whether movable or immovable, of entering into contracts
and of suing and being sued in its corporate name and, subject to
this Act, of performing all such acts as bodies corporate may by law
perform.
(3) The Company shall have a common seal, the use of
which shall be authenticated by the signatures of –
(a) the Chairman or two other members of the
Board authorised either generally or specially
by the Board in that behalf;
(b) the Managing–Director or some other person
authorised by the Board in that behalf; or
(c) any 2 of its other members authorised by
resolution of the Board to act in that behalf.
(1) The governing body of the company shall be a Boardin which shall be vested subject to this Act the control and supervision
of the company.
(2) The Board shall consist of a Chairman who shall have
considrable knowledge and proven experience in matters relating to
the functions of the company and the following other members:
(a) an Ex-officio member appointed by the
President on the recommendation of the
Commission;
(b) a representive of the Freetown City
Council;
Continuation
of the Guma
Valley Water
Board of
Directors.
(c) a chartered accountant and an experienced
administrator or legal practitioner nominated
by the Commission;
(d) the “head or Senior Representative”
Institution of Engineers.
(e) the Managing-Director.
(3) The Chairman and members of the Board referred to in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (2) shall be appointed by the
President subject to the approval of Parliament.
Subject to this Act, the Board shall have the control andsupervision of the Company including-
(a) overseeing the sound and proper financial
management of the Company;
(b) supervising and monitoring the company in
the performance of its functions;
(c) formulating administrative policies for the
smooth and efficient management of the
Company;
(d) determining a scheme of service for the staff
of the Company; and
(e) performing any other functions incidental to
the objects of the Company.
(1) The Chairman and members of the Board referred to inparagraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (2) of section 3 shall hold office
for a period of 3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for
another term of 3 years only.
(2) The Chairman and any member referred to in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (2) of section (3) may at any time
resign his office by notice in writing to the President.
(3) A person shall cease to be a member of the Board on
any of the following grounds-
(a) on the expiration of his term of office;
(b) for his inability to perform the functions of
his office by reason of infirmity of mind or
body;
(c) for proven misconduct;
(d) if he becomes bankrupt or insolvent;
(e) if he is convicted and sentenced for fraud,
dishonesty or any sexual offence;
(f) if he fails to attend three consecutive
meetings of the Board without reasonable
cause; or
(g) if he resigns his office by notice in writing
addressed to the President.
(1) The Board shall meet for the dispatch of its businessat least once every quarter at such times as the Chairman may
determine.
(2) The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the
Board, and in his absence, the members present shall elect 1 of their
number to preside.
(3) A minimum of 4 members of the Board may, by notice
in writing signed by them; request the Chairman to summon a special
meeting of the Board for such purposes as may be stated in the
notice.
6 7
Tenure of
members.
Meetings of
the Board.
Functions of
the Board.
(4) The Chairman or, in his absence, the member elected
to act in his behalf shall summon a special meeting within 5 days of
his receipt of the notice referred to in subsection (3).
(5) The quorum for any meeting of the Board shall be 4.
(6) The Chairman or other person presiding shall have a
casting vote where there is an equality of votes.
(7) Any proposal circulated among all members and
agreed to, in writing, by a two-thirds majority of all members shall be
of the same force or effect as a decision made at a duly constituted
meeting of the Board and shall be incorporated in the minutes of the
next succeeding meeting of the Board:
Provided that, if a member requires that such proposal be
placed before a meeting of the Board, this subsection shall not apply
to such proposal.
(8) The Board may co-opt any person to attend and
participate in its deliberations on any matter but such person shall
not vote on any issue for the decision by the Board.
(9) Subject to this Act, the Board shall regulate its own
proceedings.
(1) A member of the Board who has any interest, whetherdirect or indirect, in any matter being considered or to be considered
by the Board, shall disclose the nature of his interest to the Board
and the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board and
such member shall not take part in any deliberation or decision of the
Board relating to that matter.
(2) A member of the Board who contravenes subsection
(1) shall be guilty of misconduct and shall be removed from the Board.
(1) No action or other proceedings shall lie or be institutedagainst any member of the Board or member of a committee of the
Board for or in respect of any act or thing done or omitted to be done
in good faith in the exercise of his functions under this Act.
(2) No member of the Board shall be personally liable for
any debt or obligation of the Company. .
(1) The Board may, for the discharge of its functions,appoint one or more committees to perform such functions as the
Board may determine.
(2) A committee shall consist of members of the Board or
non-members or both as the Board may decide.
(3) A committee shall submit a report of its proceedings
to the Board at such time as the Board may determine.
(1) The Chairman and other members of the Board shallbe paid such remuneration; fees and allowances approved by the
Commission and shall be reimbursed by the company for expenses
incurred in connection with the discharge of their functions.
(2) Co-opted members of the Board under sub-section
(8) of Section 6 shall be paid such remuneration; fees and allowances
approved by the Commission and shall br reimbursed by the Company
for expenses incurred in connection with the discharge of their
functions as the Board may approve.
(1) Where the Chairman or a member of the Board dies,resigns, is removed from office or is absent for a continuous period
exceeding 3 months or is by reason of illness unable to perform the
functions of his office for a continuous period of 3 months–
8 9
Filling of
vacancies.
Disclosure of
interest.
Immunity of
Members of
thre Board.
Committees
of the Board.
Remuneration
of members,
etc.
(a) in the case of the Chairman, the members of
the Board shall; elect one of their number to
act as Chairman until such time as the
Chairman resumes his office or another is
appointed in his stead; and
(b) in the case of a member, the Chairman shall,
subject to this Act, have another person
appointed to the Board.
(2) Where a person is appointed as Chairman or appointed
as a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold office for the remainder of
the term of the previous Chairman or member and shall, subject to
this Act, be eligible for re-appointment.
PART III—FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPANY
(1) The object for which the Company is established shallbe to produce, distribute and conserve water within the limits of
supply and other areas as may be determined by the Commission.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Company shall-
(a) exercise responsibility for the control,
development and management of Guma
works and water supply services within
the limits of supply;
(b) develop and expand on existing waterworks
as it may consider necessary to meet the
needs of consumers within the limits of
supply;
(c) manage and maintain the waterworks in good
working order;
(d) ensure that water is supplied to customers in
accordance with quality standards as
prescribed by law or by the Sierra Leone
Standards Bureau;
(e) conduct research relating to water supply,
sanitation, and connected subjects;
(f) develop engineering surveys and plans;
(g) encourage private sector participation in the
provision of safe water supply, including
production and distribution of water as well
as billing and collection of revenue;
(h) construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, repair and
maintain waterworks, buildings and other
infrastructure of the Company;
(i) lay main and service pipes in any street or
other public place within the limits of supply;
(j) provide training and research facilities for its
employees;
(k) at the beginning of every financial year or
within any other period as the Commission
may determine, enter into a performance
agreement with the Commission providing
among other things, performance targets in
areas such as consumer and system
expansion, revenue collection, reduction in
illegal connection and unaccountable
revenue in the specified area stipulated in
the First Schedule;
(l) provide technical services relating to water
supplies to any institution or department of
Government on such terms and conditions
as the Company may determine; and
(m) do all other acts necessarily required for the
performance of its functions including the
prudent and sustainable management of the
assets of the Company.
10 11
Functions of
t h e
(3) The Company shall perform its functions with a view
to-
(a) providing its services efficiently and
economically;
(b) exercising its powers in accordance with-
(i) any national plan adopted under any
national policy on water and sanitation;
and
(ii) the economic, social and developmental
policies of Government.
PART IV- SUPPLY OF WATER
(1) The limits of supply by the Company shall be the areadelineated as the “Limits of supply of the Guma Valley Water
Company” and set out in the Third Schedule.
(2) The Commission may by statutory instrument, upon
recommendations made to him by the Company, vary the limits of
supply of the Company and such variation shall contain such
incidental, consequential and supplementary provisions necessarily
required or expedient.
The Company shall, except when prevented by unavoidablecircumstance or other unavoidable cause or the execution of
necessary work, cause the water in all mains and service pipes which
are used for supply, otherwise than in bulk, to be laid on constantly
and at reasonable pressure provided that-
(a) the Company shall not be required to deliver
water at a height greater than that to which it
will flow by gravitation through its mains
from the service reservoir or tank from which
the supply is provided; and
(b) the Company may in its discretion determine
the service reservoir or tank from which any
supply is to be made.
(1) The Company shall provide, in its mains, a supply ofsufficient water for the domestic purposes of its consumers and in
compliance with the water quality standards prescribed by the Sierra
Leone Standards Bureau.
(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act,
the Company shall not be subject to any liability for failure to provide
constant supply if such failure arises from unusual drought or other
unavoidable cause or accident or the execution of necessary work.
The Company may supply water in bulk to persons,including communities on such terms and conditions provided that
those terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the tariff
setting guidelines and regulations of the Electricity and Water
Regulatory Commission.
The Company may provide a supply of water for cleansingsewers and drains, for cleansing and watering streets, and for
supplying public pumps, baths or washhouses upon such terms and
conditions as may be agreed between the Company and the person
or body supplied.
(1) Subject to subsection (2), nothing in this Act shallpreclude any fire authority from using water for the purpose of the
prevention or control of fire, from any pipe, public fountain or
waterworks.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), no fire authority
shall use water for the purpose of testing fire-fighting equipment or
any other purpose except with the written consent of the Company,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(3) No charge shall be made for water supplied by the
Company under subsection (1).
Limits of
supply.
Company to
ensure
constant
supply and
pressure.
Sufficiency
of supply.
Bulk supply
of water.
Supply of
water for
cleansing
sewers, etc.
Water for
fire fighting.
PART V—POWERS OF THE COMPANY
(1) The Company shall, for the purpose of carrying outits functions under this Act and within the limits of supply have the
exclusive right to supply water within the limits of supply.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Company
may enter into a special arrangement with any consumer for the
supply of water within or outside the limits of supply on such terms
as may be agreed provided such terms are not inconsistent with the
broad tariff setting guidelines and regulations of the Electricity and
Water Regulatory Commission.
(3) For the purpose of subsection (1), the Company may
after seeking the approval of the Board and the Commission either
directly or through a public private partnership undertake–
(a) the operation and maintenance of waterworks
within the limits of supply; and
(b) the design, construction, extension or
modification of waterworks within the
limits of supply.
(1) Subject to this section, any officer of the Companyshall, on proof of his authority and identity, have a right to enter
any premises between sunrise and sunset or, in the case of emergency,
at any time, for the purpose of-
(a) inspecting and examining meters used by the
Company for measuring the water supplied
by them and of ascertaining the quantity of
water consumed;
(b) ascertaining whether there is, or has been,
on or in connection with the premises any
contravention of the provisions of this Act
or Regulations made under this Act;
(c) ascertaining whether circumstances exist
which would authorise the Company to take
any action or execute any work under this
Act;
(d) ascertaining whether there is any waste or
misuse of water supplied to those premises
by the Company; and
(e) taking any action or executing any work,
authorised or required to be taken or executed
by the Company under this Act or any
Regulations made under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), admission to any
premises shall not be demanded as of right unless 24 hours’ notice of
the intended entry has been given to the occupier.
(3) The Court may, by warrant, authorise the Company
to enter the premises on which notice of an intended entry under
subsection (2) has been issued, if need be by force, if it is shown to
the satisfaction of a court that-
(a) admission to the premises has been refused;
(b) the premises are unoccupied or that the
occupier is temporarily absent;
(c) the case is one of urgency; or
(d) an application for admission would defeat
the purpose of the entry.
The Company may either within or outside the limits ofsupply, lay a main or service pipe in or on–
(a) any street; or
14 15
Exclusive
right to
supply water.
Power to
enter
premises.
Power to lay
mains.
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201716 17
(b) land not forming part of a street,
with the consent of the owner or lessee, and may from time to time
inspect, repair, alter, renew or may at any time remove, any main or
service pipe laid down by it, whether by virtue of this section or any
Regulation or order made under this Act.
(1) For the purposes of exercising the powers undersection 21, the Company may, subject to section 23 break open the
roadway and other public ways of any street and of any bridge carrying
a street or any sewer, drain or tunnel in or under any such roadway
or public way and may remove and use the soil or other materials in
or under any such roadway or public way.
(2) The Company shall, in exercise of its powers under
subsection (1), cause as little inconvenience and do little damage as
may be and for any damage done to other fixtures or apparatus in the
street shall pay compensation to be determined in the case of dispute,
by the Director of Public Works, where the fixtures or apparatus is
owned by a Government department or agency and in any other
case, to be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(3) The Company may erect and maintain in any street,
notices indicating the position of underground water fittings used
for controlling the flow of water in its mains and may affix such notice
to any house or other building, wall or fence except that the Company
shall not erect any such notice in a street without first obtaining the
consent of the relevant authority having control or management of
streets.
(4) Where the Company, in the exercise of its powers
under this section, lays a main or service pipe in, on or over any land
not forming part of a street and in the case of a service pipe not in the
same ownership as the premises to which the service pipe is being
laid, or inspects, repairs, alters, renews, or removes a main or service
pipe laid in, or over any such land, it shall from time to time pay
compensation to every person interested in that land for any damage
done to, or injurious affection of, that land by reason of the inspection,
laying, repair, alteration, renewal or removal of the main or service
pipe.
(1) Before commencing to break open any street or anysewer, drain or tunnel, the Company shall, save in an emergency or
where otherwise agreed with the person or authority having control
or management of the street, sewer, drain or tunnel in question give-
(a) 14 days prior notice together with a plan of
the proposed work, where the act relates to a
main; and
(b) 72 hours prior notice where the works relate
to a service pipe,
of its intention, and of the time when it proposes to commence the
work, to the person or authority having such control or management.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), in the case of
emergency, notice shall be given to the person or authority having
such control or management as soon as possible after the necessity
of such work becomes known to the Company.
(3) Upon receipt of a notice pursuant to subsection (1),
the person or authority having the control of the street, sewer, drain
or tunnel, shall as soon as practicable send a copy of such notice to
any person having apparatus in or near the street, sewer, drain or
tunnel, which will or may be affected by the proposed works and
shall consult with such persons as to any measures necessary for
the protection of such apparatus.
(4) The Company shall not, break open any street or any
sewer, drain or tunnel, for the purpose of laying, inspecting, repairing,
altering, renewing or removing any main, except in the case of
emmergency or in accordance with plans approved by the person or
authority having the control or management of such street, sewer,
drain or tunnel and it shall afford to such person or authority and to
the owners of any other apparatus in or near the street, sewer, drain
or tunnel, which will or may be affected, reasonable facilities for
supervising the proposed work.
Power to
break open
street.
Notice to be
given before
breaking
street, etc.
(5) Where any difference arises in connection with the
plans submitted for approval under subsection (4), that difference
shall be referred to arbitration, and in cases where a sewer or drain is
to be broken open, the arbitrator may direct the Company to execute
such work as he may deem necessary for preventing any temporary
interruption of drainage through the sewer or drain, and the Company
shall comply with any direction so given.
(1) When the Company breaks open any street, sewer,drain, or tunnel, it shall with all convenient speed and to the
reasonable satisfaction of the person or authority having the control
or management complete the work, fill in and consolidate the ground,
reinstate and make good the street, sewer, drain or tunnel, and remove
all rubbish resulting from the work.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), before breaking open
any street maintainable at the public expense, the Company may by
notice in writing to the street authority concerned, require such street
authority to carry out the whole work of reinstatement of the street
and the removal of all rubbish from the street.
(3) The expenses reasonably incurred by the street
authority in complying with any notice shall be reimbursed by the
Company and may be recovered from the Company as a civil debt.
(4) The Company shall, so long as any street remains
broken open or obstructed, make adequate arrangements for the
control of traffic and shall cause the roadway or pedestrian walkways
to be properly fenced and guarded at all times and efficiently lighted,
but the responsibility for such arrangements shall transfer to the
street authority concerned in respect of any section of the street the
reinstatement of which has been commenced by that street authority
pursuant to a notice given under subsection (2).
PART VI—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(1) The Company shall have a Managing-Director whoshall be the administrative head of the company appointed by the
President, subject to the approval of Parliament.
(2) The Managing Director shall be a person with-
(a) formal qualification in any profession
relevant or appropriate to the functions of
the company; and
(b) proven ability in public administration,
business or financial management
(3) The Managing Director of the Company appointed
under Sub-Section (1) shall hold office for a term of 5 years on such
terms and conditions as shall be specified in his letter of appointment
and shall be eligible for re-appointment for another term of 3 years
only.
(a) provide overall leadership in the conduct and
management of the day-to-day business or
activities of the Company;
(b) monitor and supervise the preparation of the
annual budgets and reports of the Company
for the review and approval of the Board;
(c) oversee the work and discipline of other
employees of the Company;
(d) ensure the regular training and development
of employees of the Company; and
(e) carry out such other functions as may be
assigned by the Board or necessary for the
purposes of the Company.
18 19
Functions of
Managing-
Director.
Reinstating
broken streets
and drains.
Appointment
of Managing -
Director.
(1) There shall be a company secretary who shall besecretary to the Board appointed by the Board on such terms and
conditions as the Board shall determine.
(2) There shall be appointed by the Board such other
employees on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine
for the effective discharge of the functions of the company.
Public officers may at the instance of the Company, beseconded or otherwise render assistance to the Company but the
Company may request the withdrawal of any such seconded staff
who is unable to carry out assigned functions in a manner satisfactory to the Company.
No officer or employee of the Company or any person actingon the directions of an officer or employee of the Company shall be
liable in respect of any matter or thing done by him in good faith
under this Act.
Subject to the approval of the Board, the Company mayfrom time to time engage the services of such consultants and experts
as it may consider necessary for the performance of its functions.
(1) The Company shall establish departments as it deemsnecessary for the performance of its functions.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Company shall establish such departments as the Board may
from time to time determine including-
(a) Water and Technical Services;
(b) Commercial;
(c) Corporate Services; and
(d) Finance and Administration
31 shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Board
on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.
(2) A Director shall have the professional qualification
and proven experience required to perform his duties in the department.
PART VII—FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
(1) The activities of the Company shall be financed byfunds consisting of-
(a) monies appropriated from time to time by
Parliament for the purposes of the
Company;
(b) charges and fees payable to the Company in
accordance with this Act;
(c) loans and grants for the improvement of
water supply services within the limits of
supply;
(d) all investments made by the Company and
the income accruing from them or other
properties, acquired by the Company; and
(e) all other monies and property to which the
Company may become entitled.
(2) The funds of the Company shall be applied only for the
purposes of the approved budget of the Company.
(1) The Company shall keep proper books of account andother records in relation to the activities, property and finances of
the Company in a form approved by the Auditor-General and shall
prepare, in respect of each financial year, a financial statement which
shall include-
20 21
Secondment
of public
officers.
Protection of
officers, etc.
Experts and
consultants.
Departments
of Company.
Directors of
Departments.
Funds of
company.
Accounts and
audit of
company.
Other Staff of
company.
(a) balance sheet accounts;
(b) income and expenditure accounts; and
(c) source and application of funds.
(2) The accounts of the Company kept under subsection
(1), shall, not later than 2 months after the end of each financial year,
be audited by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by him.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the Auditor-
General or the auditor appointed by him shall be entitled to have
access to all books of account, and other financial records of the
Company and to require such information and explanation thereon
as he may think fit.
(4) The Company shall provide the Auditor-General or the
auditor appointed by him with all necessary and appropriate facilities
for the examination of the accounts and records of the Company.
(5) The Auditor-General or the auditor appointed by him
shall submit to the Company a report on the audited accounts and
the financial statements referred to in subsection (1) and shall, in his
report draw attention to–
(a) any irregularities in the accounts;
(b) any matters that are likely to adversely affect
the operations of the Company; and
(c) any other matter which, in his opinion, ought
to be brought to the notice of the Company.
The financial year of the Company shall be the same as thefinancial year of Government.
(1) The Company shall, within 4 months after the end ofthe financial year, submit to the Commission a report on the
performance of its functions during that year and on its policy and
programmes.
(2) The annual report shall include the accounts and
annual financial statement prepared under section 34 and the report
of the audit thereon.
(3) The Commission shall lay copies of the annual report
before Parliament within 2 months after he has received the report.
(4) The Company shall make copies of the report available
to all shareholders once it has been laid before Parliament.
The revenue of the Company for any financial year shall beapplied in defraying the following charges–
(a) operating expenses and expenditure on
management of the Company, its waterworks
and other property, including provision for
depreciation of assets;
(b) the salaries, remuneration, fees, allowances,
pensions, gratuities and other benefits of the
employees and contractors of the Company
including the fees and allowances of
members of the Board;
(c) repayment of the principal sums borrowed
and sums required to be transferred to a
special reserve fund set aside for the purpose
of making provision for the redemption of
stock or other securities
(d) interest on any loan raised by the Company;
22 23
Financial
year of the
Application
of revenue.
Annual
Report.
(e) rates, taxes and other levies, payable by the
Company under any law; and
(f) dividends to the Government as justified by
the profits of the Company.
(a) shall, not later than 3 months before the end
of each financial year, prepare and submit to
the Board for approval, estimates of income
and expenditure of the Company for the
ensuing financial year; and
(b) may, at any time before the end of the financial
year, prepare and submit to the Board for
approval, supplementary estimates of the
current year.
(2) No expenditure shall be made out of funds of the Company
unless the expenditure is part of the expenditure approved by the
Board under the estimates for the financial year in which that
expenditure is to be made or in estimates supplementary to those
estimates.
All funds of the Company not immediately required to beapplied in defraying any of the charges under section 37 may be
invested to the best advantage of the Company after seeking the
approval of the Board.
(1) The Company may, for the purpose of performing itsfunctions and meeting its obligations under this Act, borrow money
or raise capital in any currency and from any source on the
recommendation of the Board and subject to the approval of the
Minister responsible for Finance .
(2) The Company may charge its assets, undertakings
and revenues for the repayment of any money borrowed together
with interest thereon, and may issue bonds or other securities in
order to secure repayment of any money so borrowed.
(1) The Board may at a general meeting declare dividendspayable to the Government as justified by the profits of the Company.
(2) No dividend shall be paid under subsection (1),
otherwise than out of the profits of the Company.
Reserve Fund comprising monies set aside from revenue, in each
financial year, as the Board shall determine.
(2) The Special Reserve Fund shall be applicable-
(a) to cater for any emergencies or deficiencies
in the income of the company;
(b) to meet any extraordinary claim or demand in
respect of the undertakings of the Company;
or
(c) for the payment of the cost of expansion,
improvement or renewal of the waterworks.
(3) The Board shall cause all monies appropriated to the
Special Reserve Fund to be deposited in an interest bearing account.
PART VIII — OFFENCES
(a) wilfully or negligently causes damage to any
waterworks or the environment in the
catchment area;
(b) unlawfully diverts or takes water from any
waterworks or from a catchment area;
24 25
Investments.
Borrowing
powers of
Dividends.
Special
Reserve Fund.
Financial
Estimates.
Damage to
water works.
(c) pollutes or causes risk of pollution to any
water in any waterworks or catchment area
commits an offence and shall be liable on
conviction to a fine not exceeding Le.
10,000,000.00 or to a term of imprisonment
not exceeding 3 years or to both the fine and
imprisonment.
Any person who wilfully or negligently misuses or wastesany water passing into, through or near any premises from any
waterworks within the limits of supply commits an offence and shall
be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Le 3,000,000.00 or to a
term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or to both the fine and
imprisonment.
Any person who, without the consent of the Company orcontrary to any Regulation made under this Act, alters or causes to
be altered any pipe or apparatus through which water is supplied by
the Company to any premises within the limits of supply commits an
offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Le
5,000,000.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or to
both the fine and imprisonment.
(a) alters or causes, to be altered any pipe with
intent to–
(i) avoid the accurate measurement or
registration of water by means of any
meter; or
(ii) obtain a greater supply of water than he
is entitled to; or
(b) interferes or causes to be interfered with, any
pipe, with intent to avoid any payment for
the supply of water, commits an offence and
shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding Le 5,000,000.00 or to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or to both
the fine and imprisonment.
(2) Any pipe altered or pipe or meter interfered with in
the commission of an offence under subsection (1) may be repaired
or replaced by the Company and the cost so incurred may be
recovered against the person convicted in respect of such alteration
or interference upon an order of the Court in which the conviction
was made as though such cost were a fine imposed by that Court.
(1) Any person who trespasses on a catchment area oron any enclosed land appropriated or used for waterworks commits
an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Le
50,000,000.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or
to both the fine and imprisonment.
(2) No person shall, without the consent of the Company
fasten any animal to any structure or apparatus of the Company.
(3) No person having custody or control of an animal
shall allow any animal to wander on any pipe track or waterworks.
(4) Any person who contravenes subsection (2) or (3)
commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding Le 3,000, 000.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding
6 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.
(1) No person shall put water to use for purposesother than those for which water is supplied by the Company.
(2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) commits
an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Le.
3,000,000.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or
to both the fine and imprisonment.
26 27
Alterationof
pipes of
fittings.
Fraudulent
measurements.
Trespass.
Misuse or
wastage of
water.
Use of water
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201728 29
(a) bathes in any part of a waterworks or
catchment area;
(b) washes or throws or causes to enter into any
part of a waterworks or catchment area, any
clothing or other matter or substance; or
(c) interferes with any lock, stop-cock, valve,
sluice or manhole being part of a waterworks,
commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding 3,000,000.00 Leones or a term of imprisonment not
exceeding 6 months or to both the such fine and imprisonment.
PART IX–MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(1) The Company shall prepare a rolling medium-term planof five years or at such duration as the Board may determine which
shall specify the objectives and the strategies to be adopted for their
implementation together with a forecast of its effect on the key aspects
of the performance of the Company.
(2) The medium-term plan shall be elaborated into detailed
operational annual plans supported by annual income and expenditure
budgets.
(3) An annual plan of activities prepared and finalised by
the Managing-Director shall be submitted not later than 3 months
before the beginning of the financial year of the Company for the
approval of the Board.
At the beginning of every financial year or within any otherperiod as the Commission may determine, the Company shall enter
into a performance agreement with the Ministry providing for among
other things performance targets in areas such as consumer and
system expansion, revenue collection, reduction in illegal connection
and unaccountable revenue in the specified area stipulated in the
First Schedule.
The Company may provide technical services relating towater supplies to any institution or department of Government on
such terms and conditions as the Company may determine.
Regulatory Commission Act, 2011, the Company may from time to
time, after public consultation, develop and publish in the Gazette,
water tariff strategy containing proposals for funding development
and use of waterworks within the limits of supply.
(2) A tariff strategy referred to under subsection (1) may-
(a) differentiate, on an equitable basis, between-
(i) different types of geographical areas;
(ii) different categories of water
consumers; and
(iii) different type of water uses.
Bathing or
washing in
water works.
Operational
plans and
budget.
Performance
agreements.
Technical
Services.
Water tariff
strategy.
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201730 31
(b) provide for the basis of proposed water
tariffs; and
(c) provide on an equitable basis for some
elements of tariff waivers in respect of specific
consumers for specified periods.
The Company shall be liable for making good any loss ordamage to consumers’ pipes, fittings, appliances and other damaged
apparatus resulting from the misuse of such apparatus by an
employee or agent of the Company and shall pay reasonable compensation for such damage or loss.
(1) The Company may, by private agreement or any otherlawful manner, acquire land for the purpose of this Act
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Company may acquire land-
(a) for the purpose of protecting against
pollution of any water, whether on the
surface or underground, which belongs to
the Company or which it is for the time being
authorised to take;
(b) for the purpose of erecting houses and other
buildings for the use of persons employed
by it; and
(c) for use as recreation grounds for persons so
employed by it.
(1) Where the Company has taken all reasonable stepsto acquire land on reasonable terms by private agreement with the
owner of any land within the limits of supply required for the purposes
of this Act and has been unable to acquire such land, the Company
shall inform the Minister responsible for lands of this fact.
(2) The Minister for lands may by order published in the
Gazette, compulsorily acquire the leasehold interest or any other
interest in the land, for use by the Company on such terms and
conditions as he may deem fair and reasonable.
(3) The owner or any person having an interest in or rights
over land required by the Minister responsible for lands shall be paid
compensation as shall be determined by the Minister responsible for
lands.
(1) Where it is intended to institute legal proceedingsagainst the Company, a written notice of that intention shall be
served by the intending plaintiff or his agent upon the Company at
least thirty days prior to the commencement of such proceedings.
(2) The notice shall state the cause of action, the name
and address of the intending plaintiff and the relief which he intends
to claim.
(3) In any suit pending before a Court, the Company may
be represented at any stage of the proceedings by any of its
employees or agents duly authorised in writing in that behalf, by the
Any notice, summons or other document required to beserved on the Company in connection with any suit by or against the
Company shall be served by delivering it to or sending it by registered
post addressed to the Managing-Director.
Company, no execution, attachment or process shall be issued against
the Company until after 3 months from the date of such judgment,
decision or order as the case may be.
Compensation
for damages.
Acquisition of
land.
Compulsory
acquisition of
land.
Service of
documents.
Restriction on
execution.
Notice of
action.
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201732 33
No waterworks vested in the Company or any property ofthe Company shall be regarded as hereditament or tenements to be
valued for rating purposes under any law.
The Board may by statutory instrument, make suchregulations as are necessary for the implementation of this Act, and
in particular make regulations with respect to any of the following
matters-
(a) the amount payable for water meters;
(b) the method and manner in which water may
be drawn from public fountains in the
specified area stipulated in the First
Schedule;
(c) the administrative charges to be paid for all
pipes or fittings supplied, constructed or laid
by the Company and the time and place for
the payment of the charges;
(d) the construction, laying, fitting, and
readjustment of pipes and other fittings and
the nature, quality, size and pattern of meters;
(e) the control of boating on or fishing in any
waterworks;
(f) the prevention of the commission of any
offence or nuisance in or about any of the
stations, works, plants, buildings or premises
of the Company;
(g) regulating the operation and maintenance of
waterworks; and
(h) prescribing detailed technical standards and
acceptable code of practice to be adhered to
by operators in the rural and community water
sector.
1961) is hereby repealed.
(2) Not withstanding subsection (1) any orders,
regulations or other instruments made under the repealed Act shall
remain in force and be deemed to have been made under the
corresponding provisions of this Act until such time as the orders
regulations or other instruments are amended, revoked or replaced
by orders, regulations or instruments made under this Act.
Water works
exempted
from rates.
Regulations.
Repeal and
Savings.
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201734 35
GUMA VALLEY WATER COMPANY LANDS
GUMA LANDS AND GUMA WORKS
PART 1- GUMA LANDS
The three pieces or parcels of land hereinafter described, all of which are delineated on the
plan entitled ‘’Guma Lands’’, numbered 73/60-61, registered in the office of the Registrar-
General.
A. ALL THAT PIECE OF PARCEL OF LAND marked ‘’A’’ on the plan situated
and lying between the junction of two streams west of the Peninsular Circular Road and the
Colony Forest Reserve Boundary lying east of the aforementioned Peninsular Circular
Road at its junction with the main Access Road to Guma Valley at Guma in the Colony of
Sierra Leone the boundary whereof commencing at a point marked R on the plan which
point is situated at the junction of the aforesaid two streams runs thence along the southern
bank of the northern stream in a north-easterly direction for approximately 1,021m to a
point marked S situated on the Colony Forest Reserve Boundary and thence following the
Colony Forest Reserve Boundary in a south-easterly direction for approximately 411.5m
to appoint marked T and thence on a south-westerly direction following the northern bank
of the southern stream for approximately 1,234m to the said point marked R, the point of
commencement, thus enclosing an area of 44.0 acres be the same several dimensions little
more or less as the same premises are more particularly delineated and shown edged GREEN
on the said plan.
B. ALL THAT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND marked ‘’B’’ on the said plan situated
and lying within the Colony Forest Reserve at Guma in the Colony of Sierra Leone the
Boundary whereof commencing at a point in the Colony Forest Reserve at Guma in the
Colony of Sierra Leone the boundary whereof commencing at a point in the Colony Forest
Boundary which is approximately 76.2m distant on a north-westerly direction from the
center of the Main Access Road to Guma Valley runs in a general easterly direction parallel
to and approximately 76.2m distance from the centre of the Main Access Road for an
approximate distance of 1,387m to a point marked A on the plan, the Colony Co-ordinates
for this point being 18,597m east and 188,643m north, and thence on an approximate true
bearing of 1880 30’ for approximately 152.4m to a point marked Q on the plan, the Colony
Coordinates for this point being 18,521m east and 188,491m north, and thence in a general
westerly direction parallel to and approximately 76.2m distance from the centre of the said
main Access Road for an approximate distance of 1,387m to the Colony Forest Reserve
Boundary and thence following the Colony Forest Boundary in a north-westerly direction
for an approximate distance of 152.4m to the point of commencement thus enclosing an area
of 53.88 acres.
C. ALL THAT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND marked ‘’C’’ on the said plan.
Situated and lying within The Colony Forest Reserve at Guma in the Colony of Sierra
Leone the boundary whereof commencing at the said point marked ‘’A’’ on the plan runs on
an approximate true bearing of 1150 30’ for 167,7m to a point marked ‘’B’’ and thence on
a bearing of 680 00’ for 411.5m to a point marked ‘’C’’ and thence on a bearing of 3530 00’
for 625m to a point marked ‘’D’’ and thence on a bearing of 900 00’ for 685.9m to a point
marked ‘’E’’ and thence on a bearing of 3600 00’ for 381m to a point marked ‘’F’’ and thence
on a bearing of 900 00’ for 381m to a point marked ‘’G’’ and thence on a bearing of 1560 00’
for 411.5m to a point marked ‘’H’’ and thence on a bearing of 1670 30’ for 792.7m to a point
marked ‘’I’’ and thence on a bearing of 900 00’ for 304.8m to a point marked ‘’J’’ and thence
on a bearing of 1800 00’ for 762m to a point marked ‘’K’’ and thence on a bearing of 2240 30’
for 442m to a point marked ‘’L’’ and thence on a bearing of 270000’ for 914.6m to a point
marked ‘’M’ and thence on a bearing of 3310 00’ for 609,7m to a point marked ‘’N’’ and
thence on a bearing of 297 00’ for 350.6m to a point marked ‘’O’’ and thence on a bearing of
2590 00’ for 381m the said point marked ‘’P’’ and thence on a bearing of 3600 00’ for 381m
to the said point marked ‘’Q’’ and thence on bearing of 080 30’ for 152m to the said point
marked ‘’A’’ which is the point of commencement thus enclosing an area of 733.08 acres.
PART II- PRELIMINARY WORKS ON GUMA LANDS
With the boundaries of the Guma lands all works whether permanent or temporary including
excavation, filling, boring, grouting. Construction in any material and all camps, offices,
stores and other buildings, access road quarries, borrow pits, gauging weirs and rain gauges.
PART III-GUMA WORKS
1. The Trunk Main, of diameters 450mm and 550mm, from the boundary of the Guma
Lands with the Peninsular Road to the Wilberforce Reservoir, together with the
lands appertaining to it (so far as such lands do not form part of any street maintainable
at the public expense).
2. The Wilberforce Reservoir together with lands appertaining to it and all ancillary
3. The Main, of diameter 550mm. from the Wilberforce Reservoir to the Tower Hill
Reservoir, together with the lands appertaining to it (so far as such lands do not
form part of any street Maintainable at the public expense).
4. The Main, of diameter 550 mm, from the Tower Hill Reservoir to the Reservoir No.
R I.
5. The Reservoir No R I together with lands appertaining to it and all ancillary works.
6. The Mains of diameters 300 mm and 400 mm from the Reservoir No. R I to the
Reservoir No R2.
7. The Reservoir No. R 2 together with the lands appertaining to it and all ancillary
8. The Main, of diameter. 300 mm, in Kissy Road between Dan Street and Ross Road
and in Upper Dan Street.
9. The Main of diameter 200 mm. in Ross Road.
10. The Main of diameter 200 mm. in College Road.
11. The Mains of diameters 300 mm and 375 mm, in Fourah Bay Road
No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 2017No. 6 Guma Valley Water Company Act 201736 37
12. The Mains. of diameter 80 mm, in Wilkinson Road and the roads to the south-west
of Wilkinson Road and Brookfields, Main Road.
13. The mains of diameter 700 mm starting from Congo Town to Maxwell Street,
Wellington.
14. The mains of diameter 300 mm in Upper Mountain Cut from Baharm Road to Will
Street.
15. The Break Pressure Tank on Tower Hill together with the lands appertaining to it
and all ancillary works.
16. The Maxwell Street reservoir, Wellington reservoir with the lands and all ancillary
works appertaining to it.
17. The Wellington Extension Scheme, comprising the stream intake on the Blue River,
the treatment works and the mains of diameters 150mm and 300mm in the
Wellington area, together with the lands appertaining to it and all ancillary works.
18. The Tower Hill Reservoir together with lands appertaining to it and all ancillary
19. The mai n of diameter 550 mm from Tower Hill Reservior to break pressure tank
at Tower Hill.
20. Break pressure tank at Tower Hill together with land appertaining to its and all
ancillary works.
21. The main of diameter 200 mm in the Central Business District.
22. The main of diameter 300 mm between Dan Street and Maxwell Street Wellington.
23. The Africanus Road Reservior together with land appertaining to it and all ancillary
24. The main of 200 mm form Kongo Dam to Babadori , Regent.
25. The Allen Town Reservior together with lands appertining to it and all ancillary
WORKS OF COMPANY
Guma Facilities
No. Facilities Coordinates
1. Concrete Weir, Botanical
Garden 8.474726 -13.222287
2. Concrete Weir, Blue Water 8.444997 -13.179501
3. Concrete Weir, Thunder Hill 8.450950 -13.195320
4. 60m3 Braithwaite Tank, Thunder Hill 8.456803 -13.192405
5. 200m3 Braithwaite Tank, Thunder Hill 8.451390 -13.194633
6. Concrete Tank, Fadika Drive,
Hill Station 8.445345 -13.233347
7. 2 Concrete Tanks, Higgins Drive,
Hill Station (a) 8.447617 -13.225414
(b) 8.446708 -13.224537
8. Chlorination Treatment
Facility, Baharm Road 8.478176 -13.226016
9. Chlorination Treatment
Facility, Maxwell Street 8.446566 -13.172297
10. Spring Box with Chlorination
Treatment Facility, Sumaila Town
11. Babadori Reservior 8.436000 -13.22434
12. Kongo Dam 8.416753 -13.2055005
13. Charlotte 8.427231 -13.199006
LIMITS OF SUPPLY
GVWC - Limit of Supply
Legend:
The Limit of supply includes all settlements in the Western Area Pennisular located west
of the following landmarks:
Port Loko River Confluence
Latitude: 8.3823640
Longtitude: -13.0226850
Masiaka Highway (Near
Newton Village
Latitude: 8.3350790
Longtitude: -13.0125830
Mouth of Ribbi River
Latitude: 8.2364580
Longtitude: -12.9915210
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT, SIERRA LEONE.
GAZETTE NO. 48 OF 17TH AUGUST, 2017
Passed in Parliament this 8th day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand and Seventeen.
IBRAHIM S. SESAY,
Clerk of Parliament.
THIS PRINTED IMPRESSION has been carefully compared by me with the Bill
which has passed Parliament and found by me to be a true and correct printed copy
of the said Bill.
IBRAHIM S. SESAY,
Clerk of Parliament.
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