Freetown, April 19, 2025 — The Management of Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) has issued a firm rebuttal to recent media reports alleging financial mismanagement, dismissing claims of over NLe 258 million being unaccounted for as “false and misleading.”
The allegations, broadcast on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM’s “Daddy Wakabot” program and published in the *Hope Times Newspaper* on April 16th and 17th, carried headlines such as “GUMA VALLEY: OVER NLE 258 MILLION UNACCOUNTED FOR” and “GUMA VALLEY IN CORRUPTION SCANDAL.” GVWC has since moved to clarify the facts and defend its reputation.
In an official statement, GVWC explained that the NLe 258 million figure reflects outstanding debts owed to the company by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), totaling NLe 32.6 million, alongside arrears from private customers accumulated over several years. The company stressed that this constitutes a debt recovery issue and not a case of corruption or fund misappropriation.
GVWC also addressed its tax obligations, acknowledging existing liabilities in Withholding Tax (NLe 1.6 million) and PAYE (NLe 18.8 million). These amounts were fully disclosed in its draft 2023 financial statements and verified by the Sierra Leone Audit Service. The company attributed delayed payments to prolonged financial strain caused by stagnant water tariffs, which have not been revised since 2021, inflationary pressures, and widespread water theft.
Despite these constraints, the utility company affirmed it is steadily settling its obligations, including monthly payments toward both current dues and accumulated arrears. Following recent engagements with the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), GVWC has committed to a structured repayment plan, contributing NLe 50,000 monthly to settle its tax debts.
GVWC further revealed it is working with the government on a proposed debt swap initiative that would allow MDA debts to be offset against its tax liabilities. Backed by the PAC, the initiative aims to improve cash flow, bolster tax compliance, and ensure uninterrupted water services.
“There is no corruption involved,” the company emphasized, underscoring its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reform.
Despite limited external support, GVWC highlighted several achievements, including:
– Supplying 75,000 m³ of water daily — a record for this season.
– Expanding its pipe network to underserved areas of Freetown.
– Maintaining community water services via tanks, kiosks, and water trucks at subsidized rates.
– Reducing water losses through timely repairs and pipe replacements.
– Protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening operational capacity.
– Launching the Freetown Water Supply Master Plan in 2022, aligned with national goals for universal water access.
Looking ahead, GVWC disclosed plans to secure significant investment for the construction of new dams in River No. 2, Hamilton, Kongo, and Toothik, aimed at increasing raw water storage to meet growing demand. These projects are central to the company’s goal of achieving universal clean water access in the Western Area by 2030.
The company called on the media to uphold journalistic integrity and ensure accurate reporting.
“Presenting an honest picture of Guma Valley’s progress is essential for fostering public trust and attracting the investments needed to secure sustainable water services for the Western Area,” the statement concluded.
