By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara (Hon. AKK), has stepped in to address a prolonged issue of unpaid rent and compensation owed to a private landlord whose property was occupied by the government.
During a recent committee hearing, concerns were raised over the delays in payment, leaving the affected landlord in financial distress. Hon. AKK emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the case, urging authorities to prioritize the matter and give it “a human face.” He warned that bureaucratic delays could have devastating consequences for the elderly landlord, whose property was his primary source of income.
The committee learned that despite efforts by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources to push the matter forward, the necessary approvals had not yet been granted by the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works. The landlord, visibly emotional during the session, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait and the impact on his livelihood.
To accelerate the process, Hon. AKK directed the committee clerk to summon the Ministers and Permanent Secretaries of Water Resources and Works to appear before the committee next Tuesday at 2:00 PM. He also pledged to personally follow up with the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure the matter is brought to the cabinet level for final approval.
“This situation could happen to any of us,” Hon. AKK stated. “This man invested his life savings into this property, and now he is left without any means of support. We must act swiftly to ensure justice is served.”
The case highlights broader concerns regarding government accountability in honoring financial obligations to private individuals. The committee’s intervention aims to resolve the matter promptly and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
