SLBC Kenema Engages NaTCA, MTHE Officials on Public Service Delivery

SLBC FM 93.5 Kenema has engaged the Regional Manager of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) East, Francis Tom Barka, and the Acting Regional Manager East of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Aloysius Dumbuya, on its flagship “Issues of the Day” programme.

Barka explained that NaTCA, under the Ministry of Information and Communications, regulates telecommunications and ICT operations in Sierra Leone. He noted that the institution, formerly known as NaTCom, was established in 2006 through an Act of Parliament to regulate the telecommunications sector and promote quality service delivery.

He also highlighted NaTCA’s engagement with the Consumer Parliament, which provided consumers with an opportunity to raise concerns and share experiences about telecommunications services. He stressed that consumer feedback is important for improving service delivery and strengthening relations among regulators, service providers and the public.

Meanwhile, Dumbuya explained that MTHE is responsible for monitoring and supervising higher and technical institutions across the country. He said the Ministry focuses on quality assurance, compliance with standards, tutor performance and regular assessments of tertiary and technical institutions.

He added that the Ministry ensures institutions have qualified personnel to effectively deliver their programmes, while emphasizing the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in providing practical and vocational skills.

Dumbuya encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities in tertiary and vocational institutions, noting that relevant skills can enhance self-reliance, employability and entrepreneurship.

The engagement provided listeners with insights into telecommunications regulation, consumer protection, higher education oversight and the role of technical and vocational education in Sierra Leone’s development, while highlighting the importance of public education and dialogue in improving service delivery.