By: Aminata Sesay
Thousands of residents across Sierra Leone’s Western Area are set to benefit from improved access to safe and reliable drinking water following the completion of two major water infrastructure projects by the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC).
The projects the expansion of the Babadorie Raw Water Storage Facility at Regent and the upgrading of the Allen Town Water Treatment Plant are expected to significantly increase water storage, treatment and distribution capacity, helping to address longstanding water shortages in several communities.
The facilities are scheduled to be officially commissioned by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in the coming weeks as part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen water infrastructure and expand access to potable water nationwide.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Isatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy, described the projects as a major milestone in addressing the growing demand for clean and reliable water in the Western Area.
She made the remarks during an inspection tour of the completed facilities alongside the Managing Director of the Guma Valley Water Company, Ing. Mariwan Kallon, senior management officials, engineers and project personnel.
According to the Minister, the investments reflect the Government’s commitment to improving public service delivery through strategic infrastructure development that directly enhances the lives of citizens.
She noted that communities including Regent, Babadorie, Gloucester, Leicester, IMATT, Hill Station, Allen Town and Calaba Town have experienced persistent water supply challenges, particularly during the dry season, making the projects both timely and essential.
At the Babadorie Raw Water Storage Facility, rehabilitation works increased the capacity of the existing reservoir from 60,000 cubic metres to 72,000 cubic metres, while the construction of nine new steel storage tanks added an additional 60,000 cubic metres of storage capacity.
The expansion has increased the facility’s total raw water storage capacity to approximately 132,000 cubic metres, providing a more reliable water supply for an estimated 90,000 residents in the mountain communities.
Officials said the additional storage capacity will reduce seasonal water shortages and improve the reliability of water distribution across the affected communities.
Dr. Macarthy described the project as a significant achievement for Sierra Leone’s water sector, noting that it supports the Government’s development agenda while strengthening the Guma Valley Water Company’s capacity to deliver safe drinking water to the growing population of the Western Area.
During the inspection of the Allen Town Water Treatment Plant, technical staff demonstrated the complete water treatment process, including raw water abstraction, chemical dosing, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection before distribution to consumers.
Following the upgrade, the treatment plant now has the capacity to produce approximately 7,000 cubic metres of treated water each day.
The project also includes the construction of a 12.84-kilometre water distribution network and the installation of more than 1,500 new household water connections, extending access to safe drinking water to thousands of additional homes.
The Minister commended the engineers, technicians and staff of the Guma Valley Water Company for their professionalism and dedication, saying their efforts continue to improve access to essential water services across the Western Area.
She also urged customers to pay their water bills promptly, stressing that revenue generated by the utility is vital for maintaining infrastructure, expanding services and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply system.
Dr. Macarthy further reaffirmed the commitment of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHAERP) Steering Committee to continue monitoring major infrastructure investments to ensure they deliver lasting benefits to communities.
The completion of the Babadorie and Allen Town projects marks another significant step in the Government’s efforts to strengthen water security, improve public health and expand access to safe drinking water throughout the Western Area.
Once officially commissioned, the facilities are expected to play a vital role in meeting the region’s growing water demand while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Sierra Leone’s water supply system for years to come.