By: Aminata Sesay
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) is laying the groundwork for one of the country’s most ambitious public utility expansion programmes, with a national target of 84% water access by 2030.
Speaking during bilateral budget discussions at the Ministry of Finance, Managing Director Ing. George Lamin Vandi outlined the company’s strategic focus on large-scale investments in both infrastructure and human capital. The aim is to close persistent water access gaps, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities where shortages remain most severe.
Vandi emphasized that the roadmap includes modernizing water treatment facilities, installing advanced water quality monitoring systems, and strengthening maintenance protocols to reduce service disruptions.
“Our goal is not just to expand access, but to ensure Sierra Leoneans receive reliable, safe, and affordable water every day,” he stated.
A key component of the expansion strategy is the development of the national water distribution network, which includes the construction of new pipelines, improved water points, and extended household connections. This infrastructure growth will be supported by workforce development, with SALWACO committing to continuous training, adoption of international best practices, and the recruitment of skilled personnel to drive innovation and efficiency.
To ensure financial sustainability, SALWACO plans to balance government subvention with internally generated revenue through services such as water rates, water bowser operations, standpipes, and new customer connections. Vandi also revealed that the company is exploring new ventures, including bottled water production, to diversify income streams and strengthen its operational resilience.
The expansion initiative aligns with the government’s Universal Water Access Agenda, a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s broader national development strategy. If successful, reaching the 84% target would represent a historic leap in water service coverage and bring the country significantly closer to making safe drinking water a guaranteed right for all citizens.