Section 14: The Company may, for the purpose of carrying out its functions under this Act–

(a) construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, repair, and maintain waterworks, buildings and structures and operate waterworks as may be vested in the Company; No. 6 *The Sierra Leone Water Company Act* 2001 9 (b) abstract water from any lake, river, stream or natural source as may be permissible under the provisions of this or any other law; (c) examine any surface or underground waters for the purpose of determining whether such waters are polluted and the causes thereof in accordance with the provisions of any law in that behalf; (d) construct public fountains in any street or other public place; (e) install any water pipe into, through, across or under any street, land or place after giving reasonable notice in writing to the owner or occupier thereof; (f) enter into contracts including contracts for– (i) the design, construction, extension or modification of waterworks; (ii) the design, construction, manufacture, supply, maintenance or repair of any of its properties; (iii) the supply of materials required by the Company; (g) enter into arrangements for the supply, distribution or sale of water; (h) acquire, hold, construct or maintain any property and sell, dispose of or otherwise deal with such property or any part thereof; (i) provide training and research facilities for its employees; 10 No. 6 *The Sierra Leone Water Company Act* 2001 (j) make, draw, accept or endorse, negotiable instruments; (k) accept, acquire, or hold any securities in any form and exercise any power, right or privilege in respect thereof; (l) procure insurance against any loss or damage to its properties or other assets; (m) set up in any specified area a local body whose composition, duties, functions, and powers shall be such as the Company shall determine. [Margin: Power to delegate.]