AYV News, July 3, 2025
In a landmark initiative aimed at improving water service delivery and the payment of water bills and to make things easier and better for consumers, the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially partnered with Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) to launch a digital payment system. Under the theme “Paying for Clean, Safe, and Affordable Water Just Got Easier,” the initiative seeks to promote convenient, accessible, and transparent bill payments through RCB’s digital platforms.
The engagement was called to order by SALWACO’s Senior Communications Officer, Sheku Putka Kamara who also introduced the chairperson of the occasion.
Delivering the welcome address, SALWACO’s Deputy Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, emphasized the company’s commitment to modernization and customer satisfaction through strategic partnerships. He assured that the partnership was a step in the right direction, adding that SALWACO and RCB look forward to fully implementing the partnership and to see that set standards are achieved.
Giving an overview of the initiative, Mr. Mohamed Aziz Waggay, Director of Commercial Services at SALWACO, noted that previous payment systems were often chaotic and imposed additional costs on customers, especially in rural areas. “With this new digital system, payments will now be easier, faster, and more convenient for our customers, particularly those in the regions,” he said.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the water, finance, and regulatory sectors.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Rokel Commercial Bank, Madam Zakiatu Dickson, praised the partnership as a demonstration of RCB’s dedication to financial innovation and inclusion. “We are making bill payment more accessible to every citizen, especially those in remote areas. This partnership reflects our shared vision for national development,” she said. She also commended SALWACO for taking bold steps towards what she described as customer-centered transformation.
Mary Mansaray Ngegba, Director of Communications, Gender & Outreach at SALWACO, reflected on her 20 years with the institution and expressed pride in the progress made through strategic collaborations and stated that SALWACO would continue to uphold such positivist trajectories.
Alpha Swaray, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), who spoke on behalf of his DG, welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone in the water sector. “This collaboration strengthens financial systems and supports water users by streamlining the payment process. We appreciate the initiative and hope SALWACO will generate more revenue to extend its services, especially in the provinces,” he remarked.
Also lending his voice, Hon. Sama Sandi, Deputy Director General of the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), referenced the Commission’s guiding principles — the “4 As;” Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Accountability. “This partnership will enhance SALWACO’s sustainability. EWRC is part of this process and will help disseminate the message nationwide,” he affirmed.
RCB’s Director of Business Development, who represented MD Gilpin, Mr. Abdul Rahman Mahdi, highlighted that the partnership reflects the bank’s ongoing digital transformation. “SALWACO customers no longer need to queue or travel long distances to pay their bills. With an RCB account, payment is just a click away,” Mahdi said. “The Simkorpor and Rokel Mobile App offer an easy way for users to make payments via their phones, removing extra costs and making life more convenient. This is a win for consumers, SALWACO, and the bank. Our Simkorpor team stands ready to support the partnership and the realization of SDG 6.” He also stated that one does not need to have an RCB account to make payment, but noted that RCB customers can easily use the online mobile banking apps to make necessary payments as necessary and or required.
The Chairman of SALWACO’s Board of Directors, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema, applauded both institutions for the transformative initiative. “This is not just about revenue collection, it’s about improving lives and making service delivery more efficient. I commend RCB and SALWACO for this forward-thinking partnership,” he stated.
In his address, SALWACO’s Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, thanked both Rokel Commercial Bank and SALWACO’s technical teams for bringing the project to life. “We are integrating multiple commercial services to make our systems more efficient and consumer-friendly. This is just the beginning, we have already partnered with Afrimoney, and in two weeks, we will announce a similar partnership with Orange Money. Our aim is to integrate with more financial institutions to enhance service and raise more revenue. This partnership with RCB is a win-win for the company and our customers.”
Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and also giving the keynote address, Mr. Alie Bakarr Conteh, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, officially launched the Simkorpor and Rokel Mobile App as tools to promote digital payment within the water sector. “Digital systems are key to improving service delivery and achieving the goals outlined in the national development plan, particularly in access to clean water and WASH implementation. I applaud SALWACO and Rokel Commercial Bank for this timely and important partnership.”
As Sierra Leone continues to address challenges in water infrastructure and access, this collaboration between SALWACO and Rokel Commercial Bank represents a major step forward in ensuring clean water is affordable, accessible, and easier to pay for through safe and reliable digital systems.
