By Landing Ceesay
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) convened its 8th Consumer Parliament on Saturday, focusing on resolving pressing consumer issues, fostering fairness, and strengthening youth resilience in a rapidly evolving digital age.
Under the theme, “Building Youth Resilience: Ensuring Fair Services and Combating Cyberbullying,” this year’s event underscored PURA’s dedication to addressing young people’s challenges and ensuring equitable service delivery for all.
The Consumer Parliament serves as a pivotal forum for dialogue, bringing together service providers, government agencies, and consumers to engage in transparent and solution-driven discussions. PURA’s Director General, Dr. Njogu L. Bah, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring efficient and equitable access to utilities such as water, electricity, and telecommunications.
“Next, we turn our attention to fair utility services. Access to essential services such as water, electricity, and telecommunications is a fundamental right for every consumer. Our commitment to ensuring these services are equitable and affordable is unwavering. Today, we will discuss how we can enhance transparency and accountability within service provision, ensuring that all consumers, regardless of their circumstances, can access the utilities they need without fear of exploitation or unfair practices. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize consumer protection and elevate standards across the board,” Dr. Bah told the gathering.
Dr. Bah also addressed the growing menace of cyberbullying, particularly its impact on vulnerable young people in the digital space. He highlighted PURA’s role in empowering youth with the knowledge and tools to navigate technology responsibly, promising collaboration with relevant authorities to establish policies that curb cyberbullying.
“It’s undeniable that technology serves as a double-edged sword. While it brings great benefits, it also poses risks, particularly to young people who are often the most vulnerable. The rise of digital platforms has
transformed the way we communicate, but it has also created new avenues for harassment, abuse, and misinformation. PURA, as a regulator of the ICT sector, recognizes its role in educating and empowering young people
to use technology responsibly and protect themselves against these risks.”Cyberbullying has become an increasingly serious issue, and we have a shared duty and responsibility to engage in open discussions to raise awareness of these threats and encourage protective measures. It is crucial
that we foster a culture of respect and kindness in our digital interactions, empowering individuals to stand against bullying in all its forms. We are committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to establish effective policies and laws that combat cyberbullying,” PURA boss said.
Established in 2001 through an Act of Parliament, PURA serves as a multi-sector regulatory authority overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, electricity, petroleum, water, and sewage services.
PURA’s Board Chairman, Mr. Alieu Momar Ngum, acknowledged shortcomings in service delivery but reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to addressing these issues and improving consumer satisfaction.
“The rapid evolution of information and communications technologies (1CTS) has revolutionized communication, transcending geographical boundaries. The internet has transformed our world into a global village. However, despite these advancements, the security of online communication and transactions remains a paramount concern. Cybersecurity, the protection of systems, networks, and data in cyberspace, is paramount as internet connectivity expands globally. The International Telecommunication Union(ITU) outlines three primary security objectives: Ensuring availability, maintaining integrity (including authenticity and non-repudiation), and Safeguarding confidentiality.
“However, despite a series of initiatives being put in place by the Authority to keep operators being constantly on alert, gaps are still being noticed in the areas of quality-of-service delivery and consumer complaint resolution, among others. Today’s Consumer Parliament is, therefore, expected to critically examine, analyze and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the whole range of the regulated utilities in our industry. Let me reiterate the fact that improving service delivery has become critical not only to businesses but also for the entire national economy,” Mr. Ngum said.
Mr. Ngum emphasized that access to regulated utilities is a crucial driver of economic development, as many individuals and industries depend on improved service delivery to perform their personal and professional tasks more efficiently and effectively.
He further highlighted PURA’s commitment to addressing the challenges within the regulated sectors, particularly those impacting young people. He noted that the Authority is working closely with stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap to resolve consumer issues.
As the Board Chair of PURA, Mr. Ngum also pointed out the vulnerability of young people as both victims and perpetrators of internet misuse. He affirmed PURA’s dedication to implementing effective regulatory measures and educating young people on responsible digital practices and the proper use of other regulated utilities.
“We must empower young people to raise their voices and concerns on other consumer protection issues. I urge all young people present here to utilize this opportunity not only to voice their concerns regarding service providers but also to offer constructive suggestions that will assist PURA and operators in developing youth-friendly regulatory measures and policies to ensure their safety,” he said. Jamilatou Saidy-Leigh, PURA’s Director of Consumer Affairs, lauded the Consumer Parliament as a testament to the institution’s transparency and proactive consumer engagement.
“Raising awareness is a core mission of the Authority, and the Consumer Parliament exemplifies this commitment by fostering a direct line of communication between service providers and the Consumers they serve. This event ensures that consumers’ voices are not only heard but valued, helping to shape policies and practices that enhance their experience and protect their rights.
“Today’s gathering also underscores PURA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, encouraging service providers to engage directly with consumers, hear their challenges, and respond to their needs. This forum is an ideal setting to address the pertinent issues that impact us all, from service quality to fair pricing and accessibility,” she said.
The Consumer Parliament remains a vital platform for regulators, service providers, and consumers to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues impacting various sectors.
Through its legislative mandate, PURA fosters a competitive landscape that ensures accessible and affordable quality services for everyone, promoting equity and fairness across industries.