By Abdul M. Jalloh
The Regional Manager for the Northeast and Northwest of the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB), Abdul Aziz Kamara, has issued a strong warning to water producers, fuel dealers and electronic appliance sellers in Makeni over persistent violations of national standards.
In an exclusive interview, Kamara expressed concern about the operations of several sachet and bottled water companies in Makeni. He cited poor hygiene practices, questionable sachet sizes, absence of water testing certificates, lack of standards documentation and failure to verify production machines to ensure correct measurements.
As the government institution mandated to develop, monitor and enforce compliance with standards, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau provides technical guidelines covering the entire production chain—from water sourcing and processing to packaging, transportation and marketing. However, Kamara clarified that the Bureau does not regulate the pricing of water products.
He noted that many producers are operating without proper certification and machine verification, resulting in under-measured sachets that cheat consumers. He warned that unsafe water handling poses serious health risks to families and communities.
Kamara pledged intensified inspections once the Bureau’s operational vehicle arrives in June, announcing plans for frequent monitoring visits, issuance of verification stickers and enforcement of strict disciplinary measures against defaulters. He disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Makeni City Council (MCC), Bombali District Council (BDC), the police and other stakeholders to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Addressing fuel stations, he explained that all operators must formally notify the Bureau before commencing operations. The SLSB verifies and calibrates fuel pumps to prevent over-pumping or under-pumping. Faulty or uncalibrated machines, he said, can either shortchange customers or cause financial losses to dealers. A regional verification exercise for all filling stations in the North is scheduled for June, and no operator is permitted to tamper with pump seals without the Bureau’s approval.
Kamara also cautioned electronic appliance dealers against importing and selling substandard cables and materials, linking poor-quality electrical products to fire outbreaks in homes, offices and commercial buildings. He highlighted the existence of microbiology, chemistry and petroleum laboratories for testing food and fuel products, while noting that efforts are underway to establish a Materials Science Laboratory to test items such as cement, iron rods and electrical cables.
Reaffirming his commitment to enforcing standards across the seven districts under his jurisdiction, Kamara called on the public to support the Bureau’s work, emphasising that compliance with quality standards is essential for consumer protection, fair trade and public safety.
