By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially signed a $3.4 million contract with SAHAB AL UFUQ/EMT GROUP, a joint venture, for the drilling of 100 wells in rural communities across Sierra Leone. Funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the project aims to improve access to safe drinking water for underserved rural populations.
The contract signing follows a successful tendering process conducted by the SFD, which adhered to its procurement guidelines and evaluation criteria. After the selection process was completed, the SFD requested SALWACO to finalize the agreement with the chosen contractor.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation welcomed representatives from SALWACO, the Ministry of Finance, project consultants, and the contractor. She emphasized the importance of the initiative in improving water access for rural communities and highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable development.
Providing an overview of the project, SALWACO’s Director of Projects, Ing. Yakuba J. Tarawally, expressed appreciation for the Saudi-funded initiative. He confirmed that the procurement process had been completed and that the project is set to begin on April 15, 2025. The contractor is currently preparing to mobilize to the project sites. He also stated that the construction of public standposts would be an integral part of the project.
Speaking at the event, SALWACO’s Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, acknowledged the critical support from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in facilitating the project. He also commended the Ministry of Finance and the Chief Minister’s office for their oversight in selecting the locations for the 100 wells.
A representative from the project consultancy team, Mr. Abdelahi Sidaty, assured stakeholders that they would oversee the implementation of the project to ensure it meets the highest standards and benefits the targeted communities. Similarly, the Managing Director of SAHAB AL UFUQ/EMT GROUP, Mr. Alfred E. Aguim, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, SALWACO, and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. He reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to executing the project efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe.
The Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Morie Momoh, praised the Saudi Fund for its continued investment in Sierra Leone. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the timely disbursement of funds and urged SALWACO to adhere to project deadlines to avoid delays or extensions.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Max-Kaine, emphasized the government’s dedication to improving water supply systems across the country. She acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, highlighting previous funding initiatives from the Saudi Fund for Development. She assured that the Ministry’s district staff would provide necessary support to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
The event concluded with the official signing of the contract by the SALWACO Managing Director, project consultants, and the contractor, witnessed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Permanent Secretary.
This project marks a significant step toward improving water accessibility in over 80 chiefdoms, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for thousands of Sierra Leoneans in rural communities.