The Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Innovation and Communication, Hon Boston Munda, has said that there are lots of risks in the partnership between Sierratel and Africell.
He made this statement this past Friday, June 12, when the committee summoned the Minister of Communication and Innovation to update the committee about the partnership between Sierratel and Africell.
The Deputy Leader of government Business Hon Bashiru Silikie, said that section 40 subsections 4 of the constitution said the minister is not the owner of Sierratel and that the company belongs to the people, pointing out that whatever agreement she does, must be laid before parliament for approval.
“Let’s assume you bring the agreement and members of parliament do not approve it?” the Deputy Leader asked.
Minister Salima Bah told the committee that they intend to lay the agreement in parliament.
Hon Silikie interjected and insisted that the minister knows the laws, as they do not go into operation without the agreement being tabled in parliament.
He noted that they have seen the launch, the Management has been appointed, and US$1M has been deposited in the account as rebranding is going on.
Madam Bah pointed out that she will be laying both agreements in parliament, but the Deputy Leader said that there is no way they can start operation without bringing the agreement to parliament.
The Minister informed Hon Silikie that they have not yet started operations in terms of commercial, noting that the US$ 1M is pre- condition for the agreement.
The Deputy Leader of Government Business 1 asked for the agreement.
