By: Saidu Jalloh
The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. George Lamin Vandi, has announced that the company is aiming to increase national water supply access to 84% by the year 2030. The disclosure was made during SALWACO’s bilateral budget discussions held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall on George Street, Freetown.
Vandi stated that the company’s expansion plans are aligned with the government’s vision of achieving universal access to clean and safe water, particularly focusing on underserved rural and peri-urban communities.
“Our efforts will concentrate on expanding the distribution network, modernizing water treatment facilities, and adopting advanced water quality monitoring systems,” Vandi said. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and service reliability.”
He added that SALWACO will continue to implement robust maintenance practices to reduce service disruptions and enhance customer satisfaction.
The Managing Director also emphasized organizational development as a key pillar of SALWACO’s strategic plan. This includes continuous professional development for staff, adoption of international best practices in water utility management, recruitment of skilled personnel to drive innovation and operational efficiency
Highlighting the company’s revenue base, Vandi outlined current income sources, including water rates, bowser sales, public stand posts, water kiosks, new connections and reconnections and government subventions
He further revealed that SALWACO plans to explore new revenue opportunities, including a potential water bottling initiative, to diversify income and enhance financial sustainability.
Also speaking at the budget meeting, Sheku Putka Kamara, SALWACO’s Communications Lead, underscored the importance of customer payment compliance. He noted that non-payment of water bills remains a persistent challenge, despite the fact that over 95% of SALWACO’s projects are funded by the Government of Sierra Leone.
“It is unsustainable for government to continue bearing the full cost of water services,” Kamara said. “Customers must take ownership and responsibility by paying for the services they receive. No one should be forced or coerced to pay for services already delivered.”
He stressed that achieving SALWACO’s vision of expanding access and improving service quality is only possible with collective responsibility and payment discipline from the public