AYV News, June 4, 2025
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has commenced a nationwide stakeholder engagement and social mobilisation on the proposed 100 solar-powered borehole project across Sierra Leone, with Freetown as an exception.
The engagement started in Port Loko at the district Council before the team proceeded to Kambia at its District Council as well.
The SALWACO team comprised Sheku Putka Kamara, SALWACO’s National Senior Communications Officer (Ag. Director of Communication, Gender and Outreach) and Ing. John Hallowel, who’s a Senior Project Engineer attached to the SALWACO Directorate of Project Management. In Port Loko, the two senior officers joined the Port Loko Station Manager, Ing. Hamid Alpha Kamara (Ag. Regional Manager) and the SALWACO Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mohamed Sankoh.
In Port Loko, the Chairman of the Council raised salient directives, urging SALWACO to do things with precision and to deliver accordingly. He assured the council of commitment to support the full implementation of the project and to see that the best possible results are achieved.
Ing. Hamid touched on the value of the project and the need for people to fully own the same. Ing. Hallowel highlighted some essential virtues that are needed to make the project successful.
In Kambia, the District Council Chairperson asked for the full involvement of the council in making sure that the project becomes a reality. Similar sentiments were established by others present.
For both locations, people asked and looked forward to proper planning, implementation and monitoring. They also urged SALWACO to be able to do the much needed maintenance on the facilities when constructed. They also discussed the durability of the project and the suitability of the proposed project sites.
SALWACO made it clearer that, on the project terms and conditions, flexibility would be applied where appropriate. The team also urged stakeholders to take full ownership of the facilities, adding that the water would be of high standard and quality. In Kambia, Station Manager, Ing. Claude and Finance Officer, Alim Bangura, were also in attendance and made valuable inputs.
The engagements would be cascaded to all other parts of the country. SALWACO has designated three teams to do the tours across with the Deputy Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey (Ag. MD) as leader of the delegation. Project Engineer, Ing. Marilyn George who’s the project’s lead coordinator would also be making tours and specific assessments nationwide. SALWACO’s Planning and Policy Manager, Chrisla Koroma would also be heading another delegation; all of which will be reaching out to different locations.
Senior Communications Officer, Mohamed Metzger Esq. and Communication Officer, Victoria Saffa-Koroma, would be attached to the other two teams in bringing up to date information and reports as occurrences ensued.
A comprehensive report of all engagements would be shared just after all sessions.
