Sierra Leone Water Company

Category: Frontpage

  • SALWACO Hands Over Lot 1 of Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment

    SALWACO Hands Over Lot 1 of Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment

    SALWACO Hands Over Lot 1 of Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment

    The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially handed over Lot 1 of the Lunsar Water Supply Project to S&H Trading Investment, marking another major milestone in the Government’s commitment to expanding access to safe and clean drinking water.

    The handing-over ceremony, held at the Parish Hall in Lunsar, brought together the Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi; SALWACO Board Chairman, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema; Board Member PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie; Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie; Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, Director of Finance, Mr. Frank Lahai Kamara; Lunsar Station Manager, Umaru Bayoh; and other SALWACO staff.
    Also in attendance were the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Koblo Queen II, chiefdom stakeholders, and the project contractor.

    In his statement, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie introduced the SALWACO delegation and reaffirmed the Company’s dedication to delivering reliable water infrastructure across Sierra Leone.

    Speaking on behalf of the project management team, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, Director of Project Management, handed over the second component of the contract, focused on the construction of the water treatment facility. He urged the people of Lunsar to monitor and safeguard the project to ensure its successful completion.

    Paramount Chief Amy emphasized the importance of the project, noting that clean and pure water is essential for the people of Lunsar. He explained that the initiative supports President Bio’s national development agenda and encouraged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure.

    The CEO of S&H Trading Investment, Mr. Sahr Saquee Gbondo, expressed appreciation to SALWACO and the Government for entrusting his company with the project. He assured that despite being a pre-financed project, S&H Trading Investment is committed to delivering high-quality work. He called for continuous cooperation among SALWACO, the contractor, and the community.

    Representatives of both the Women’s Leader and Youth Leader pledged their support, including community security, and appealed for local youth to be considered for employment on the project.

    In his remarks, Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II welcomed the SALWACO team and congratulated S&H Trading Investment on receiving the contract for Lot 1. He highlighted that the project will benefit more than 70,000 residents upon completion. He expressed optimism that the system will be commissioned within the next sixteen months.

    Delivering the keynote address, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi explained that Lot 1 covers the construction of the intake structure, the water treatment plant, the clear water tank and the associated transmission pipelines. She assured that, upon completion, the system will produce water that meets WHO standards.

    Ing. Jabbi further noted that the project followed a detailed technical assessment before its design and is being supported by the Government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

    She encouraged the people of Lunsar to take ownership of the infrastructure, stressing that community monitoring and protection are essential to the project’s sustainability.

    It was also disclosed that Lot 2 of the Lunsar Water Supply Project was handed over last month to AA Enterprise and Infiniti Trading Company Ltd, operating as a joint venture.

    The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Chairlady of the Market Women’s Association, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the community.

    SALWACO Board Member, PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie

    (C) SALWACO Communications Unit

  • SALWACO Holds Symbolic Handing Over Ceremony Between Outgoing and Incoming Managing Directors

    SALWACO Holds Symbolic Handing Over Ceremony Between Outgoing and Incoming Managing Directors

    SALWACO Outgoing & Incoming MD

    SALWACO Holds Symbolic Handing Over Ceremony Between Outgoing and Incoming Managing Directors

    The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), under the leadership of its Board of Directors and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially conducted a handing over ceremony between the outgoing Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, and the newly appointed and first ever female Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi. The event took place at the company’s Boardroom in Freetown and brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kaine, the Board Chairman, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema, the Deputy Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, Board Members, Directors, and senior management staff.

    The ceremony, which marked a smooth leadership transition, was chaired by the Deputy Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, who in his welcoming address commended both the outgoing and incoming Managing Directors for their dedicated service and leadership. He described the event as a moment of reflection and renewal, emphasizing teamwork, continuity, and progress in the company’s operations.

    In his opening statement, the Board Chairman, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema introduced the Minister and commended her for her exemplary leadership and commitment to improving water service delivery across Sierra Leone. He further expressed confidence that the new Managing Director will continue to build upon the progress achieved by her predecessor while advancing the company’s mandate in line with government priorities.

    Delivering her keynote address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kaine, described the occasion as a “positive and historic moment” in Sierra Leone’s water sector. She highlighted the significance of appointing a woman to lead SALWACO, noting that women are among the primary users and managers of water at the household and community levels. The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Managing Director, the Board, and the Ministry, stating that while the Managing Director is responsible for executing plans and activities, the Board controls and directs company funstions while the Ministry ensures supervision and resource mobilization. Dr. Max-Kaine congratulated Ing. Jabbi on her appointment and encouraged all staff to support her leadership for the effective delivery of SALWACO’s mandate.

    In her response, the new Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence reposed on her and reaffirmed her commitment to transforming SALWACO into a functional, professional, and financially viable institution. She outlined her vision and 100-day plan, which includes conducting a comprehensive organizational assessment to identify institutional gaps, technical challenges, and operational inefficiencies. According to her, “You can only proffer solutions when you know the problems.” She explained that the findings from the assessment will inform sustainable, evidence-based recommendations and help develop a Strategic Development Plan to guide SALWACO’s transformation.

    Ing. Jabbi emphasized that her goal is to refocus the company on its primary mandate of ensuring reliable water supply and sanitation services across the country. She further noted that achieving these objectives will not only strengthen institutional performance but also contribute to Sierra Leone’s commitment to the National Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

    In his remarks, the outgoing Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, reflected on his tenure, highlighting the progress made in institutional strengthening, infrastructural improvement, and operational efficiency. He expressed appreciation to the Board, Management, and staff for their cooperation and assured the new leadership of his continued support to ensure a smooth transition and sustained growth.

    The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Company Secretary, Mrs. Mayiwa Sia Macauley Esq.

    (C) SALWACO Communications Unit

  • Parliament Approves Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as First Ever Female MD of SALWACO

    Parliament Approves Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as First Ever Female MD of SALWACO

    Parliament Approves Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as First Ever Female MD of SALWACO

    On Tuesday, 11th November, 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone graciously approved Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as the First Ever Female Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO).

    The calculated new female MD received resounding commendations from members of not only Parliament, but also SALWACO Staff and the general Public.

    In a brief ceremony at the SALWACO Headquarters at Tower Hill/Model old road, in Freetown, the new MD said that her vision is to continue to improve on conditions and services at SALWACO. She remarked that unity and service delivery are core tenets that should be imbibed at all times. She added that she was looking forward to working with all staff and to see that the vision and mission of SALWACO are fully achieved. She went on to thank her predecessor and all staff for jobs done over time.

    In a strategic engagement with some members of the press, MD Jabbi stressed that strategically positioning SALWACO should be a top priority. She said that deliverables and the attainment of institutional productivity should also not be treated with levity.

    The new SALWACO MD furthered that it was also important for all SALWACO staff to understand that working as a team should not be considered secondary. She said that it was therefore very necessary for all staff to stay very focused and to be ready to put on more work in getting things done.

    In 2019, Ing. Jabbi was appointed as the First Female Director of Planning, Research and Operation at the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA).

    In 2016, MD Jabbi became Sierra Leone’s First Female Water Engineer after her Postgraduate Course in the same sector/discipline.

    She was also the First Female Engineer appointed by the Guma Valley Water Company in 2011.

    Hopes are very high on her new appointment as SALWACO’s Boss and she has started on a good footing of service delivery and the realization of enviable institutional approaches and deliverables.

    Present during the entire ceremony are the Board Chairman of SALWACO Mr. Joe Ndanema, the Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, a number of SALWACO Directors, Managers, Snr. Officers, Officers and other junior staff. The colorful activity ended on a relaxing and result driven note.

    SALWACO Communications Unit

  • As pipe-borne water pumps after 45 Years… President Bio hails Bonthe Water supply Project

    As pipe-borne water pumps after 45 Years… President Bio hails Bonthe Water supply Project

    By SALWACO Communications Unit 

    The President of Sierra Leone H.E Dr. Julius Maada Bio has hailed the Bonthe Water Supply Project during a visit to the Island and inspection of the project site. 

    It could be recalled that during the 3rd State Opening of Parliament, President Bio clearly stated that his government will provide Pipe Borne Water in Six District Headquarters Towns and Bonthe Island.

    After the State Opening, a symbolic signing of Contracts for the reconstruction and Construction of the Bonthe Water Supply Project was done on the 6th June 2020 on the Bonthe Island in Bonthe Municipality Hall in the full view of the beneficiaries, making this the first time a Project Contract signing was witnessed by the people who will in the end own the project.

    The President is visiting the Bonthe Water supply project with pipe-born water oozing from pipes after forty-five years absence of safe and clean drinking water for the people in that part of the country.  

    The Talk and Do President, during a conducted tour appreciated SALWACO on the implementation of the Bonthe Water Supply project.

    Speaking during a conducted tour, President Julius Maada Bio said providing water for the people of Bonthe district especially the Bonthe Island was a manifesto promise and this has now been fulfilled.

    “Bonthe Island now has access to safe and clean drinking water and this is happening after forty-five years without water. You will no longer be subjected to unsafe drinking water and children will no longer walk long distances to fetch water” President Bio said.

    SALWACO Managing Director, Ing, George Lamin Vandi said the project started slow but is now approaching its completed stage and that the people of Bonthe now have access to safe and clean drinking water.

    He said the SALWACO team is now erecting more domestic stand posts (taps) for residents who are eager to connect to the main grid that supplies water right into their homes.

    He said the old degremont water treatment plant that was abandoned decades ago subjecting the people to fetch water from wherever they could, has been transformed into a safe water hub that now supplies water to the Island. 

    He congratulated the people of Bonthe for supporting the project, noting that with their input the project will be completed in record time and that the district now has pipe-borne water.

    He said SALWACO water meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards, it’s cheap, pure, accessable, and affordable.

    The Minister of Water Resources Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana testing one of the newly constructed pipes expressed satisfaction seeing residents on Bonthe Island fetching safe drinking water from pipe-borne water facility in the Municipality after forty-five years.

    He said the Ministry including the Management of SALWACO are now delighted that safe drinking water is now on Bonthe Island despite the project has not yet been fully completed.

    He said the contractors did a very g0od job and this is exactly what is expected of people that are given work to do.

    The Minister called on the people to protect the facility noting that it is theirs. 

    “This facility provided is not free as some minimal cost will be put on the water, adding that for water to come out clean and safe it has to undergo treatment, pipes are bought and laid, staff will be paid, etc.  This cost money and the more reason why the facility should be jealously guided”, he said. 

    SALWACO Board Chairman, Ing. Mohamed Alieu Jalloh said Bonthe is a beautiful Tourist destination and that the People deserve a befitting water facility that is clean and healthy.

    He said as a supportive Board, they are happy seeing SALWACO through the Supervision of the Ministry of Water Resources deliver their work on time.

    The Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO, Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey another Son of the soil was very delighted that he could now drink pipe-borne water in his own home and proud to have been part of the Management of SALWACO to see this done. The conducted tour was led by the Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana, SALWACO Board Chairman, Ing. Mohamed Alieu Jalloh, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey, Director of Operations and Maintenance, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie and SALWACO team.

  • Six Towns Water Supply Project

    Six Towns Water Supply Project

    *400,000 people to benefit from SALWACO Six Town Water Water Supply Project*

    By SALWACO Communications Unit

    Over four hundred thousand people are set to benefit from the Six Towns Water Supply Project implemented by the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO).

    The project is been set to be implemented in Kailahun, Pujehun, Moyamba, Kambia, Magbruka and Kabala respectively.

    On the 20th-21st January 2021, SALWACO with support from the Ministry of Water Resources and two Board members from SALWACO signed the contract agreement and hand over the site to contractors in Kambia, Magbruka, and Kabala respectively.

    The project is funded by the government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of the Talk & Do President and the design was done by SALWACO engineers and a team of consultants while signing of contract documents were done in all implemented areas respectively.

    Speaking in Kambia the Deputy Minister of Water Resources Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang said the project will create employment and help boost the economic situation in all project implementation areas.

     She congratulated the people of Kambia in supporting the government of President Julius Maada Bio and embracing the project.

    Madam Bah-Chang said Kambia is a bread basket and the reason why the government is interested in the district and every other district across the country.

    “We are focus on our development activities and the reason for this project.

    “We have seen an expansion in the district as the population continues to grow. This is the more reason for this project”, she said.

    The Deputy Minister said President Bio is very much interested in the water sector and in his address to parliament in 2019 promised to provide water to the people of Sierra Leone.

    She said water is key in addressing series of other issues including health, education, and teenage pregnancy.

    She assured the people of the government’s commitment to providing water to the people while applauding the Management and Board of SALWACO for moving the project this far.

    The managing Director at SALWACO Ing. George Lamin Vandi admonished contractors to do a very good job noting that the six town water project is at the heart of the president.

    “We at SALWACO will not hesitate to terminate the contract if the contractor does not follow the contractual agreement.

    ” But this is not something we want to do and the more reason we continue to call on contractors to do their best.

    We don’t want to reach that end and the needs for contractors to do their utmost best in completing the project on time, he said”.

    The managing director of SALWACO Ing. George Lamin Vandi Signing the contract
    The deputy managing director of SALWACO Mr. Albert H. Harvey Signing the contract
    The managing deputy minister of Water Resources Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-ChangHanding Over contract to Contractor

  • CUSTOMERS HAIL SALWACO’S WATER SUPPLY

    CUSTOMERS HAIL SALWACO’S WATER SUPPLY

    Customer, Mariama Kallon fetching SALWACO’S water

    Customers connected to the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) water facility have praised the agency’s service especially the water that is provided. 

    The water provided is considered cheap, safe, clean and affordable., Madam Mariama Koroma of Dama Road in Kenema explained the importance of connecting to the SALWACO grid; noting the water is clean and odourless.

    “This is the water we drink and cook with. It is free from particles and very much good for domestic use. The water is also very cheap.”* She said.

    Madam Koroma and her family are now free from waterborne diseases including diarrhea and related health issues. Kenema Station Manager, John Augustine Forewa said the water provided by SALWACO is within World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, connecting customers with the best of satisfaction while expanding opportunities that such services bring to people and their communities. *”The water quality is of importance to us as management and the reason why we do test on the quality always”* says Mr. John Augustine Forewa. ’’As a station, we have targeted ourselves to reach at least 1,200 customers by June of this 2020. We have intensified our outreach and community sensitization as well as optimal response rates.  And the need for support is now even more urgent than ever’’, he emphasized.

    Mr. Aruna Gbekie in Bo city who is also connected to SALWACO water supply facility said the as Madam Koroma in Kenema.

    “Since we connected to the facility, we have not had any interruption. Our tap runs on twenty-four-hour basis and the water is clean and good for consumption. We even have people selling plastic water accessing water from our tap” he said.

    ‘’We are now comfortable with the water situation here and pray it continues’’, he concluded.

    According to the Managing Director of SALWACO, Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, the management of the Sierra Leone Water Company’s (SALWACO) recent strategy to reach out to customers explains the importance of water and customer satisfaction. 

    He said the agency for the past three days has been touring facilities of the Three Towns (Makeni, Kenema and Bo) Water Supply and Sanitation Project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The tour was to assess the water supply systems, meet staff and further look at challenges facing the project and wider operations of the company. 

    The Chairman Board of Directors, Ing. Alhaji Mohamed Allieu Jalloh thanked all the three stations (Bo, Kenema & Makeni) staff for their dedication and hard work.

    He said water is life and that the government of President Bio is very passionate about water provision for the people of Sierra Leone. 

    “We have gone around the facilities and see the amount of effort put into the work but also took note of the challenges. We are impressed with what we’ve seen so far” the Chairman said.

  • SALWACO DMD AND TEAM PROVIDE WATER FOR KAILAHUN PEOPLE

    SALWACO DMD AND TEAM PROVIDE WATER FOR KAILAHUN PEOPLE

    SALWACO Deputy Managing Director. Mr. Albert H. Harvey (center) addressing Kailahun staff

    The Deputy Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey and team were in Kailahun for over three days proving water for the people of Kailahun.

    This was done during the visit of the President Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio to Kailahun District.

    The DMD together with his team play an active role during that period.

    According to Mr. Harvey, the water came at the right time and water is very important in the lives of every human being, noting that one cannot exist without water.

  • SALWACO MD & TEAM INSPECT WATER DAM AT YOROMA

    SALWACO MD & TEAM INSPECT WATER DAM AT YOROMA

    (L-R) SALWACO Kailahun Station Engineer, Kebbie, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, & Eastern Region Manager, Ing. Lansana Ba-Sawie

    The Managing Director of Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. George Lamin Vandi alongside with the Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Karimu Lansana, the National Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (NaMED) Dr. James Edwin and colleague engineers include Ing. Sawie and Kebbie are currently on a week- long water dam inspection at Yoroma Town, Malema Chiefdom, Kailahun District.

    The inspection was done during President Bio’s visit at Kailahun over the weekend to unveil some of his development agenda for the district.

    Speaking during the inspection at the dam, the indefatigable Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. George Lamin Vandi underscored the significance of their fact findings mission at the water dam.

    According to him, the water dam is no longer enough to supply water to the indigenes there following the increase of agricultural activities by the people of Yoroma. He said the Women in Agriculture Project pioneered by Mrs. Samuel Jibao, the wife of the NRA Boss under the mentorship of Mrs. Fatima Bio has established industry for Garri Production and other activities which requires increase volume of water supply to the people of the Township.

    He said that in not too long distant future, they would work on the distribution system in order to increase the water volume in the catchment area.

    As a Service Provider Company, he said, they are working towards actualizing President Bio’s ambition for increase access of water supply to the people and by extension achieving the Sustainable Development Goal that deals with increase access to water. He said that with improved access to water supply, it would help to complement health service delivery in the country. He said lack of accessibility to water supply affect the education of children as they were often sent in search of water.

    He said President Bio’s ‘Human Capital Development Agenda’ prioritizes accessibility to water supply because with the availability of clean water supply, the people will be healthy.

  • President Bio visits Bonthe Water project site

    President Bio visits Bonthe Water project site

    It was a display of humility, love and show of respect to the people of Bonthe Island when President Bio descended from his vehicle Toyota Land Cruiser on the Island.
    President Bio during Christmas festivities visited his  birth district of Bonthe and took time to visit the project site of the Bonthe Water Supply Project implemented by the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO).

    The ongoing water project is part of promises the president made to the people of Bonthe which is now becoming to reality.

    President Bio appreciated the management of SALWACO for spearheading the project which has moving in the right direction.

    He was assured by the SALWACO team that the people of Bonthe will soon be getting pipe borne water as the project is progressing satisfactorily.

    A conducted tour was done on the project site led by the Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana, SALWACO MD, Ing George Lamin Vandi, Deputy MD, Albert Harrison Harvey, and the Bonthe Water Supply Project Ing. Sahr Augustine Sinah who vividly   updated the president on the project.

    During the update, Ing. Sinah told the President and the people of Bonthe that by March 2021, the water supply system will be tested and supply will commence thereafter on Bonthe Island.

    The Minister of Finance Jacob Jusu Saffa during the visit expressed delight in the work done so far while noting that thirty percent (30%) of payment has already been made before this time.

    He said the contractors have done forty percent (40%) of the work noting that this is impressive.
    “I want to say we are impressed about the progress and we hope the people of Bonthe will soon get clean drinking pipe borne water” he said.

    A water bowzer was on the Island to give water to the people as part of government’s effort to supply safe drinking water to the Island.

    The water bowzer was accompanied by the Deputy Director of SALWACO Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey.

    It could be recalled that the Bonthe Water Supply Project started in June 2020 with a symbolic signing of the three lots of the contract. All hands are on deck to ensure the delivery of potable water to the Bonthe Municipality in a record time.

  • President Bio speech on the water Sector

    President Bio speech on the water Sector

    President of the Republic of S/L Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio

    During his Speech on the occasion of the State Opening of the Third Session of the Fifth Parliament, His Excellency Brig. Rtd. Dr.  Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone stated that improving water infrastructure systems t is an urgent need to review the 2010 National Water and Sanitation Act in order to align it with outcomes and indicators set out in Sustainable Development Goal 6.

    President Bio added that the draft reviewed policy has been developed and stakeholder consultations will be soon concluded. The policy will be finalized and introduced this year to guide interventions in the water and sanitation sector. Eight (8) Water Regulations (complaints handling procedures, licensing rules, consumer service, quality of supply, service provider reporting rules, water codes, bottled and sachet water production regulations, certification rules) have been developed, laid before parliament, and are now maturing into law. Pursuant to Government’s commitment to monitor and regulate our water resources, the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), which was set up by an Act of Parliament in 2017, is now fully operational with appreciable staff compliment and a five-year strategic plan has been developed.

    He said, his government is pursuing action to ensure improved water supply across the country, noting that his government has provided funding for the reconstruction of water supply systems in six District Headquarter Towns (Moyamba, Pujehun, Kailahun, Kabala, Kambia and Magburaka).  His government has also provided funding for and will soon commence work on the reconstruction of the Bonthe water supply system.

    The Reconstruction of Water supply systems in Bo, Kenema, and Makeni is nearing completion. Residents are already accessing water from these systems. However, very few households are connected to the system. SALWACO is currently accelerating service connections in the three towns. This project is scheduled for commissioning this year. Government has also completed 406 hand dug wells, 125 boreholes, 22 rain water harvesting systems, 301 public sanitation facilities, 200 rain gauging stations, and 20 surface and ground water monitoring stations across six districts (Koinadugu, Falaba, Kono, Kambia, Pujehun and Bonthe).

    Additionally, Government has rehabilitated 1100 water points and currently constructing fifteen (15) gravity-flow water supply schemes. Government has made significant investments in WASH in Schools and Health Facilities nationwide. GUMA and SALWACO are aiming at increasing access to Water in Health Facilities at 50 Health Facilities from 65% to 75% and WASH in Schools interventions in about 100 Schools.

    President Bio added that DFID has funded feasibility studies and detailed design on the rehabilitation of the Guma Dam, the Water Treatment Plant, Transmission Network, leakage management for distribution network, Spur Road pumping station, extension of the distribution network and refurbishment of the Allen Town water supply system. The World Bank has also funded the Freetown Emergency Recovery Project that will rehabilitate the water treatment plant at the Babadorie Dam, Regent, and the laying of a 4km distribution network in communities close to the mud slide area at Mortormeh. The Government of Sierra Leone has solely funded the Lumley–Aberdeen Beach Road Water Supply Improvement Project which provides service connections to recreational centres and businesses along the beach. He therefore informed the nation that funding has been secured from the African Development Bank and other partners for improvement of the water supply infrastructure in Freetown for increased access to sustainable water supply, sanitation services and hygiene. This project will also develop water sources in small catchment areas along the Western Peninsular for domestic use. Additionally, a pilot project is being implemented in Kingtom and Aberdeen which will isolate and meter these two settlements to determine and understand revenue loss or gain from the water sup

  • SALWACO gets New MD & Deputy MD

    SALWACO gets New MD & Deputy MD

    (L-R) SALWACO Stakeholder & Media Relations Manager, Mary M. Ngegba, new appointed Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, Internal Auditor, Brian Gray, New appointed Deputy Managing Director Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey

    In a way to promote the provision of access to clean, safe and quality water supply in the provinces, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio has recently appointed a new Managing Director, in the person of Ing. George Lamin Vandi and his Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Albert Harrison Harvey to serve as heads of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) whose mandate is to provide access to water and water related sanitation in the fourteen districts including Bonthe Municipality. 

    On the 20th October 2020, members of Parliament approved the new Managing Director after successfully going a thorough committee interview.

    In his statement, the Chairman for the Water Committee in Parliament, Hon. Lahai Marrah congratulated the new Managing Director and also referred to him as a seasoned Engineer who will work hard to provide clean and safe drinking water in the provinces.

    Many other parliamentarians also showered praises on Ing. Vandi noting that he was also a Procurement Expert and with all these, they hope that he will push the Agency to a higher height.

    Hon. Lahai Marrah maintained that the former MD was very hardworking and energetic man and he therefore encouraged the New MD to continue the hard work in order to fulfill the President’s agenda at the same time meeting the SDG 6 on water for all.

    “I hope that with your passion and a qualification as a seasoned Engineer you will able to provide safe and clean water for people living in the provinces”, he stated.

     The new MD was then escorted to his new SALWACO compound where he was formally introduced to the Senior Management staff.

    In his Company were; the Minister and Deputy Minister of Water Resources, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and a host of Ing. Vandi’s relations.

  • Bonthe water project takes a rapid progress

    Bonthe water project takes a rapid progress

    Minister of Water Resources, Ing. P.K Lansana (far left), SALWACO Board Chairman, Ing. M.A Jalloh, SALWACO MD, Ing. George L. Vandi, SALWACO Operations Manager, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, Bonthe Municipality Mayor, Layemin Joe-Sandi (far right).

    The Management of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) including the Ministry of Water Resources over the weekend visited the Bonthe Water supply project site.

    The visit was to look at progress made so far since the inception of the project in July 2020. Among the visiting team were the Minister of Water Resources, SALWACO-Hon. Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana, Managing Director- Ing. George Lamin Vandi and the Chairman Board of Directors-Ing Mohamed Allieu Jalloh.

    Speaking at the project site, the Minister of water Resources Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana expressed his delight in seeing community people actively getting involved in this project especially the Bonthe District Stakeholders.

    He promised the Ministry’s support to the SALWACO management team to pay regular site visitation as part of effort to motivate workers and to make sure the work is done in recorded time.

    The SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. George Vandi also expressed happiness, noting that the project is fully funded by the Government of Sierra Leone.

    He said Bonthe is a beautiful tourist destination and the need for water facility that is clean and healthy for the people and people who visit the island is a laudable venture.

    The Chairman Board of Directors, Ing. Mohamed Allieu Jalloh appreciated the work that has been done so far, noting that President Bio’s main agenda being human capital development and quality education cannot be easily achieved without the provision of clean drinking water. Provision of clean drinking water reduces illnesses and keeps children in school.

    Welcoming the visiting team, Mayor Layemin Joe Sandi expressed his sincere gratitude to the whole team. He then congratulated and welcomed the new Managing Director of SALWACO.

    He said that, they appreciate the work of SALWACO especially the contractors for involving them in whatever they are doing.

    He said the Municipality has been without pipe borne water for over forty years and they feel relieved seeing water construction work going on and that this is the fastest project ever.

    The reconstruction and construction of the Bonthe Water Supply Project for the First Desalination Plant in the country on Bonthe Island continues to progress in a very rapid way. “This construction work has created jobs for young people in the district.” Confirmed the Mayor. 

    Alongside this project also is the rehabilitation of the Bonthe Ferry a project undertaken by the President, RTD Brigadier Julius Maada Bio.

    The Bonthe ferry rehabilitation is a mile stone achievement combating the hassle people go through in crossing over to the Island. 

    This is a government of “talk and do” in line with the promises made in the New Direction Manifesto.

    The Bonthe Municipal is all set to get clean drinking water for her residents, said Ing. George Vandi , SALWACO, Managing Director.

    Despite the ravaging Corona Virus that is affecting the World including Sierra Leone, the Bonthe Water Supply project could not wait as the people are in dire need of clean drinking water. 

    Providing Water for the people of Sierra Leone was among campaign messages during the 2018 election. 

    Just after the visit a short meeting was held with the Bonthe Municipality. Thereafter a Technical meeting was held with contractors for the Bonthe Water Project.

    The site visitation was led by the Bonthe water and supply project coordinator, Ing. Sahr A. Sinah

    Bonthe Water Supply Design
    Chematict of the treatment system