By: Arret Jatta
The perimetre fence of Mansakonko Water Treatment Plant has partially collapsed amidst a lack of a functional security arrangement at the facility.
According to the 2023 report of the Public Enterprise Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly, the perimeter fence of the facility, which houses the second borehole and a tank, has collapsed.
These findings were made during PEC’s tour of NAWEC facilities across the country.
“The Committee noted that the chlorination plant at the Mansakonko water treatment plant is down, the perimeter fence is also low, and part of the fence collapsed as highlighted in the NAO audit report,” PEC chair Lamin L. Sanneh told the National Assembly recently.
The PEC chair explained to the House that thecommittee was informed by NAWEC’s former managing director Nani Jawara that the injector at the Mansakonko treatment plant “is currently under repairs” and that NAWEC has also ordered a new injector for the facility.
He further explained that Mr. Juwara had informed the committee that NAWEC had plans to fence all its facilities.
Sanneh said the erstwhile NAWEC boss had also informed PEC that a team had been dispatched to the administrative regions, adding that Basse and Farafennihave already been fenced from the current budget while other facilities will be covered in the 2024 budget.
He stated that the premises, where the first borehole and the standby generator are located, have daylight security but none during the night.
“The operator informed the Committee that due to low pressure, some of the villages within the network experienced inadequate water supply due to the topography of the area and low water pressure. The NAWEC officials also indicated that the maintenance of their facilities is an ongoing project, and the team is already in the regions and this facility is part of it,” he added.
Meanwhile, PEC recommends proper fencing and leasing of all NAWEC properties and updating the Committee on the progress made before the end of2024.
“Going forward, NAWEC should ensure that there are functional chlorination plants in all their water treatment facilities,” PEC further recommends.