By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has commenced a nationwide stakeholder engagement and social mobilization campaign on the upcoming 100 solar-powered borehole project under the Saudi Program for Drilling of Wells and Rural Development in Africa – Phase V, with Freetown as the only exception.
The nationwide consultations began in Port Loko, where the SALWACO delegation engaged with the District Council, before proceeding to Kambia District Council for a similar session.
The SALWACO delegation includes Sheku Putka Kamara, National Senior Communications Officer (Acting Director of Communication, Gender and Outreach), and Ing. John Hallowel, Senior Project Engineer attached to the Directorate of Project Management. In Port Loko, they were joined by Ing. Hamid Alpha Kamara, Acting Regional Manager and Port Loko Station Manager, and Mohamed Sankoh, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager.
During the Port Loko engagement, the District Council Chairman offered strong directives, urging SALWACO to operate with precision and to ensure effective project delivery. He reaffirmed the Council’s full commitment to supporting the implementation of the project to achieve tangible and lasting results.
Ing. Hamid Kamara emphasized the significance of the project and encouraged full community ownership, while Ing. Hallowel underscored the essential values—such as accountability, cooperation, and transparency needed to ensure its success.
In Kambia, similar sentiments were echoed. The District Council Chairperson called for the full involvement of local councils in the planning and execution of the project to guarantee sustainability and local buy-in. Other participants highlighted the importance of community consultation, proper site selection, maintenance plans, and long-term durability of the facilities.
SALWACO clarified that, within the terms and conditions of the project, *flexibility would be exercised where necessary, and the water supplied through the boreholes would meet high standards of quality and safety.
In Kambia, Station Manager Ing. Claude and Finance Officer Alim Bangura also contributed meaningfully to the discussions.
The stakeholder engagement sessions will be extended to all other districts across the country. SALWACO has established three regional teams to conduct these consultations.
Leading the national engagement is Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, Deputy Managing Director (Acting Managing Director), supported by Project Engineer Ing. Marilyn George, the project’s lead coordinator, who will also conduct field assessments. Chrisla Koroma, Planning and Policy Manager, will head another delegation reaching additional locations.
Supporting the teams are Senior Communications Officer Mohamed Metzger Esq.and Communications Officer Victoria Saffa-Koroma, who will document and report on proceedings across the country.
A comprehensive national report will be compiled and published following the completion of all stakeholder sessions.