By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially handed over the Kamakwie Water Supply Project to China Friendship Sierra Leone Construction and General Supplies (CFS), marking a major step in the Government of Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve access to safe and reliable water supply services in Kamakwie, Karene District.
For several years, residents of Kamakwie have faced significant challenges in accessing safe and potable drinking water. However, under the leadership of SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, the project contract has now been activated, paving the way for the commencement of construction works.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chairman of the Karene District Council, Abdul Kandeh Turay, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for prioritizing the Kamakwie Water Supply Project. He noted that the project would greatly improve the living conditions of residents and assured SALWACO of the Council’s continued support throughout its implementation.
Providing an overview of the project, SALWACO’s Director of Planning and Development, Ing. Yakuba Jusu Tarawally disclosed that Kamakwie will benefit from a modern conventional water supply system designed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
He explained that the project is expected to provide residents with a reliable, sustainable, and safe source of drinking water while addressing the long-standing water challenges faced by the community.
Meanwhile, SALWACO’s Chief Utility Director, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, assured residents that SALWACO remains committed to providing safe, clean, and affordable water services. He explained that the company’s water supply undergoes proper treatment and meets required quality standards.
He also reminded community members that water production, treatment, and distribution involve significant operational costs, and therefore, water services cannot be provided free of charge.
The contractor, Mr. Patrick Koroma of CFS, assured the people of Kamakwie of the company’s commitment to delivering a quality project within the agreed timeframe. He appealed for the cooperation and support of residents to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
Delivering the keynote address, SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, announced that the project is expected to be completed within eighteen months. She urged residents to take ownership of the project, emphasizing that its sustainability depends on the collective responsibility of the community.
Reflecting on her personal experiences growing up in a community with limited access to safe water, Ing. Jabbi noted that women and girls are often the most affected by water shortages due to the burden of fetching water for households.
She said this experience continues to motivate her commitment to expanding access to safe and affordable water services across Sierra Leone.
The SALWACO Managing Director expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, for prioritizing the development of the water sector and supporting the realization of the Kamakwie Water Supply Project.
She also thanked the Water Committee in Parliament and other stakeholders for their continued support toward improving water access in the country.
Ing. Jabbi further disclosed that the project would create employment opportunities for local youths during the construction phase. However, she cautioned that employment opportunities would depend on the technical and operational needs of the project.
She called on residents to protect and support the project, noting that upon completion, the people of Kamakwie will benefit from reliable, affordable, and sustainable access to safe drinking water.