In a bid to address water scarcity in Sierra Leone’s underserved rural areas, the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has signed a $3.4 million contract with SAHAB AL UFUQ/EMT GROUP. The joint venture will spearhead the drilling of 100 wells across multiple rural communities, with the initiative funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
This landmark project aims to enhance access to clean drinking water for rural populations. Scheduled to commence on April 15, 2025, the initiative includes the construction of public standposts to facilitate water accessibility. SALWACO’s Director of Projects, Ing. Yakuba J. Tarawally, emphasized the importance of the project and confirmed that all procurement processes have been finalized.
The contract signing ceremony brought together representatives from SALWACO, the Ministries of Water Resources, Finance, and Sanitation, as well as project consultants and the contractor. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation underscored the government’s commitment to sustainable development and improving rural water supply systems.
Acknowledging the critical support of stakeholders, SALWACO’s Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, highlighted the Ministry of Finance’s role in overseeing the selection of project locations. The Ministry of Finance’s Director of Multilateral Affairs, Mr. Morie Momoh, praised the SFD’s continued investment and encouraged timely
The joint venture contractor, led by Managing Director Mr. Alfred E. Aguim, expressed gratitude to SALWACO, the SFD, and government ministries. Aguim reassured stakeholders of the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project efficiently. Additionally, Mr. Abdelahi Sidaty, representing the consultancy team, vowed to ensure the highest standards in project implementation.
Keynote Address In her keynote address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Max-Kaine, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding water supply infrastructure. She commended the longstanding bilateral partnership between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, noting previous successful initiatives funded by the SFD. Dr. Max-Kaine also confirmed that district-level support would be provided to ensure smooth execution of the project.
With over 80 chiefdoms set to benefit, the project is poised to significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of Sierra Leoneans by bolstering access to safe and reliable water sources. The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the contract, marking a pivotal step toward achieving water security in rural areas.
This initiative exemplifies collaborative efforts to tackle pressing challenges in Sierra Leone’s rural communities, paving the way for sustainable development and improved living standards.
Source; SALWACO Communication