By Ishmael Dumbuya
Over the past 30 years of Sierra Leone Telecommunication Company (Sierratel) operations in Sierra Leone, it has been struggling with numerous challenges in the telecommunication sector of Sierra Leone, making it less and less recognizable by many who have resorted to using other telecommunication companies such as Africell, Orange and others.
Sierratel is an important government institution meant to provide affordable and efficient telecommunications and ICT services in Sierra Leone.
Funding challenge: Sierratel is struggling with many problems. Key among them is that many employees haven’t been paid for months, worsening their difficult situation. Despite talks with the government, nothing has been done to fix this problem.
Sierratel’s challenges shed light on bigger issues in Sierra Leone’s state institutions. The lack of money and support has left the company ineffective and inefficient over the years.
The decline in state institutions is damaging public trust. People are losing faith in government services and turning to private entities or other ways to meet their needs.
Corruption and mismanagement: Corruption and mismanagement are also big problems in the company. Lately people have been concerned about the gross mismanagement and corruption within the company which has eventually led to its decline over the years.
Collaboration: Fixing Sierratel and other struggling state agencies will require collaboration and team effort from the government, policymakers, and civil society.
Urgent action is needed to solve Sierratel’s financial problems, make sure salaries are paid on time, and make reforms for more transparency and accountability.
Broader reforms are also needed to improve governance, service delivery, and public trust. Investments in infrastructure, staff, and technology are crucial to modernize operations and meet citizens’ needs.
Sierratel’s decline highlights the bigger challenges facing Sierra Leone’s state institutions. Fixing these problems requires systemic reforms and a renewed commitment to good governance. Only through collective action can Sierra Leone reverse this decline and work towards a better future.
On April 1st 1995, Sierratel was incorporated in Sierra Leone. Since the coup in May 1997 the company has continued to carry on its business activities from Washington, London and Guinea. Thus, the company is 100% state-owned which has left many citizens questioning the ownership of the company as it sails through difficult period.
