Sierra Leone Water Company

Category: Ongoing Project

SALWACO Hands Over Lot 3 of Gravity Flow Systems Construction in Kenema

The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), under the supervision of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the leadership of its first female Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, has officially handed over Lot 3 of the construction of Gravity Flow Water Systems in Kenema District to Castleton Rhodes Commodities LLC.

The handing-over ceremony marks a significant milestone in a Government of Sierra Leone–funded project aimed at improving water supply and sanitation services for communities across Kenema District. The project is expected to provide reliable and sustainable water access to ten chiefdoms within the district.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, emphasized that the project reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens through access to safe and clean water. She called on the people of Kenema to take ownership of the project, describing it as “their baby,” and urged communities to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure long-term sustainability and uninterrupted water supply.

She further noted that the successful implementation of the project will significantly enhance free-flowing water access, reduce water-related challenges, and contribute to improved public health outcomes across the beneficiary communities.

Earlier in the programme, the Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, introduced the Managing Director and invited the Regional Manager–East, Mr. Brima Alieu, to deliver the official welcome address on behalf of the region.

In his statement, the Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, explained that the project has a duration of sixteen months and involves both the construction and rehabilitation of ten gravity water systems to meet required operational standards.

Speaking on behalf of the Kenema District Council, the Deputy Chairman, Mr. Umaru Daboh, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, through SALWACO, for prioritizing water infrastructure development in the district. He assured stakeholders of the council’s commitment to supporting and safeguarding the project.

Also speaking at the event, the Town Chief of Kenema Town, Chief Kenie Momoh Ngonbulango, commended the initiative and thanked the Government and SALWACO for addressing the long-standing water needs of the people.

On behalf of the contractor, the Chief Executive Officer of Castleton Rhodes Commodities LLC, Mr. Thomas Daddy Brima, pledged the company’s commitment to delivering the project within the agreed timeframe and in line with required quality standards.

The ceremony was attended by stakeholders, district officials, and SALWACO management and staff.

(C) SALWACO Communications Unit

January 14, 2026
SALWACO Managing Director Inspects Kailahun Water Supply Project as Part of 100-Day Assumption of Office Plan

After visiting all other SALWACO stations since commencing her familiarization and assessment tour, the Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, has undertaken a strategic site visit to the Kailahun Water Supply Project as part of her 100-day assumption of office plan aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving institutional performance.

The Kailahun Water Supply Project is part of the Six Towns Water Supply Project, funded by the Government of Sierra Leone to enhance access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services.

The Managing Director was accompanied by the Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, and the Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie. During the visit, the delegation inspected the Kailahun Water Treatment Plant to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works, as well as the construction of the new Kailahun Station Office.

Addressing staff and stakeholders at the project site, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi stated that the visit forms a critical part of her 100-day assumption of office plan, which emphasizes hands-on engagement, accountability, and firsthand assessment of SALWACO facilities and projects. She reiterated that her vision is to build a functional, efficient, and financially viable institution capable of delivering sustainable water services to communities across the country.

“The purpose of this visit is to assess realities on the ground after engaging all our stations, identify operational challenges, and ensure that projects are implemented to acceptable standards. My vision is to see SALWACO operate as a functional and viable institution that effectively meets the water needs of our people,” she said.

In his remarks, the Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, reaffirmed his directorate’s commitment to effective project supervision, quality assurance, and the timely delivery of infrastructure works under the Six Towns Water Supply Project. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to technical standards to guarantee long-term sustainability.

Similarly, the Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, highlighted the operational benefits of the ongoing rehabilitation, noting that the improved facilities will significantly enhance efficiency, reliability, and water supply coverage in Kailahun Township. He assured management of sustained operational oversight to ensure optimal performance upon completion.

The Station Manager of the Kailahun Water Supply System, Mr. Aiah Yongah, welcomed the Managing Director and her delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit, which he described as motivating and reassuring for station staff. He briefed the team on current operations, existing challenges, and progress made, and pledged the full cooperation of the Kailahun team in supporting SALWACO’s vision and strategic objectives.

The visit underscores SALWACO’s commitment to accountability, improved service delivery, and the Government of Sierra Leone’s development agenda to expand access to safe water and sanitation nationwide.

(C) SALWACO Communications Unit

January 14, 2026
On Her Drive To Make SALWACO Financially Viable, MD Jabbi Takes Nationwide Tour To Pujehun and Bo

On Her Drive To Make SALWACO Financially Viable, MD Jabbi Takes Nationwide Tour To Pujehun and Bo

Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi and delegation have continued with their nationwide visitation and site inspections to Pujehun and Bo. The delegation continued to comprehensively engage both station teams with a view to understand operations, challenges and to suggest ways of addressing concerns.

In Pujehun, SALWACO’s Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie introduced the delegation which comprised, Joseph Ndanema as Board Chairman of SALWACO, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as SALWACO MD, PC Amy Kallon, Member, Board of Directors, SALWACO, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally as Director of Project Management and Sheku Putka Kamara, SALWACO’s Senior Communications Officer.

SALWACO’s Station Manager in Pujehun, Ing. Mohamed Yayah Sesay gave an update on his station plus the ongoing project; citing areas that need urgent intervention and improvements. He used the opportunity to remind and call on the SALWACO management to continue to give the necessary support to all stations, in the best interest of service delivery.

Board Chairman of SALWACO, Joseph Ndanema said that it was important for staff to work as one and to see that set deliverables were achieved. He called for correctness and result driven services from all and sundry, adding that same would be in the best interest of SALWACO.

In Bo, Station Manager, Ing. Claudius Williams gave a succinct background of the station’s operations, successes and challenges. He said that it was important for management to look into boosting employee morale while providing basic necessities that will continue to enhance smooth operations.

Ag. Regional Manager Emmanuel, Fambulleh welcomed and congratulated MD Jabbi and assured of his region’s resolve in working with management and to ensure that institutional aspirations were met in the execution of tasks.

In both stations, SALWACO’s Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally narrated on the statuses of the projects, drawbacks and current situations, while narrowing down on how all of the projects are set to be completed in the nearest possible time. For Bo in particular, he referenced and assured that the station’s power and or electricity challenges will soon be a thing of the past when the institution would have finalized a solar powered project that is set to be completed before January 2026. Similar mechanisms are set to be put in place in all SALWACO areas of operations, nationwide.

In Bo, SALWACO Board Member, PC Amy Kallon encouraged staff to work as one and as a team. She said that it was very important to maintain unity while making sure that staff work in the best interest of the company. She therefore used the opportunity to preach against divisiveness and asked that all staff continue to work in the best interest of the company.

In all SALWACO stations she has visited, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi as SALWACO MD has assured staff about her vision and mission and to see that SALWACO is able to function as a financially viable institution while making sure that the company is also able and fully ready to provide water for people. She had also encouraged all stations to be focused, committed and to be in place to generate the much needed revenue. She said that when stations are able to do the right things and get the needed and required resources, management will see to it that the necessary station needs are addressed. On this, she called on all SALWACO staff and all stations to be committed in ensuring that the right things are done and in the best interest of the institution.

SALWACO’s Director of Maintenance, Ing. Abu Kallon touched on the need for a comprehensive training for all stations especially on deliverables and the execution of specific institutional tasks and functions. He said that such will help the company to get a clearer roadmap.

MD Jabbi and team had visited and inspected Pujehun and Bo stations including the treatment plants, having done similar tasks in Mile 91, Moyamba and Bonthe Island. The tour is expected to continue in Kenema and Blama in the coming days.

SALWACO Communications Unit

November 27, 2025
Day 3 of Nationwide Assessment Tour: SALWACO MD Continues Engagements in Lunsar, Port Loko, Kambia, Rokupr & Lungi

Day 3 of Nationwide Assessment Tour: SALWACO MD Continues Engagements in Lunsar, Port Loko, Kambia, Rokupr & Lungi

The newly appointed Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, on Friday, continued her nationwide assessment and familiarization tour with visits to SALWACO stations in Lunsar, Port Loko, Kambia, Rokupr and Lungi.

The tour is aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of ongoing projects, operational challenges, and overall service delivery across the various stations.

Ing. Jabbi was accompanied by the SALWACO Board Chairman, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema, Board Member PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibbie, the Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, and the Director of Project Management. The Director of Operations formally introduced the Managing Director and the Board representatives to the different station teams and also outlined the purpose of the tour.

Speaking during the engagements, Ing. Jabbi said the tour forms a crucial part of her vision and her first 100 days in office plan, emphasizing the need to understand the current status of each facility.

She stressed that the familiarization exercise is meant to build knowledge of successes, challenges, and recommendations from Regional Managers, Station Managers and staff.
“This is not a witch hunt,” she assured staff, encouraging them to be open and honest about their operations so that effective solutions can be developed.

At the various stations, Managers and technical personnel presented detailed updates:

In Kambia, Station Manager Ing. Alex P. Musa highlighted key operational successes, ongoing challenges, and priority recommendations.

In Port Loko, the Station Engineer, supported by the Finance Officer, provided insights into the station’s performance and the constraints affecting productivity.

In Lungi, Station Manager Abdulai Charles Kargbo, reinforced by the North-West Regional Manager Ing. Cyril Bell outlined notable achievements, staffing needs, and operational hurdles.

The Director of Projects, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally also briefed the Managing Director on several ongoing water supply projects across the visited locations.
He introduced the contractors and consultants working on the projects and provided updates on progress, challenges, and timelines. These include the Six Towns Water Supply Project, which covers Kambia; the Lunsar Water Supply System; the Lungi Water Supply Project; the Rokupr Water Supply Project; and the Port Loko Water Supply Project.

The nationwide tour continues next week, when the Managing Director is expected to visit SALWACO stations in the South-East to continue her assessment and engagement with staff and stakeholders.

(C) SALWACO Communications Unit

November 27, 2025
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

November 27, 2025
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.

April 28, 2022
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

June 1, 2021