Sierra Leone Water Company Act, 2017 (No. 4 of 2017).

This Act continues the existence of the Sierra Leone Water Company Act and redefines its functions, powers, etc. The Act also provides rule relative to water supply by the Company. The Object for which the Company is established shall be to- (a) develop and operate satisfactory water supply services at reasonable cost and on self-supporting basis in every specified area stipulated in the First Schedule; and (b) facilitate the provision of safe water and related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns. The Company shall, among other things, (a) provide technical support to District Councils in the design, planning, construction, backup services and community management of projects related to safe water supply and related sanitation services, (b) encourage private sector participation in the provision of safe water supply and related sanitation services in the districts, (c) assist and co-ordinate with NGOs, the private sector and other relevant providers, in the development and provision of water supply and related sanitation services in the country, (d) provide technical standards and guidelines for the operation and maintenance of safe water supply in rural and small towns and support District Councils to ensure compliance by water supply service providers.
The Company shall, except for reasons of impracticability, maintain a continuous supply of water and at a reasonable pressure in all pipes which are used for supplying water in the specified area stipulated in the First Schedule. 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 shall establish departments as it deems necessary for the performance of its functions and shall establish regional offices promoting the active involvement of the communities, especially women, in the design, planning, construction and community management of water supply projects. The Act defines offences in respect of damaging of waterworks or supply and the use of water.