By: Audrey Raymonda John
On the instructions of the Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, and the Acting Deputy Managing Director, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has teamed up with Felicity Solar Technology SL Ltd to conduct joint assessments of storage facilities for the SALWACO Solar Panels Mini-Grid Project. The assessments took place in the cities of Bo and Kenema, with the aim of preparing for the mobilization of the project and verifying mapped areas from the Topographical Survey.
The team from SALWACO was represented by Sheku Putka Kamara, Senior Communications Officer (Acting Director of Communication, Gender, and Outreach), while Felicity Solar was represented by Ing. Peters, Director of Business Development & Project Management.
In Bo and Kenema, the SALWACO Station Managers, Ing. Alex P. Musa and Ing. Osman Turay, respectively, along with the assistance of Regional Manager Braima Allieu, provided critical support and coordination to ensure the assessments were carried out successfully.
Ing. Peters, accompanied by another engineer/consultant, Ing. Musa, explained that the site visits were crucial for validating data collected during the topographical survey and assessing the physical conditions of the locations.
“While the survey provides technical insights on terrain and elevation, visiting the sites in person allows us to confirm that the identified areas are suitable for installation,” Ing. Peters stated. “It also helps detect issues like shading from trees or buildings, potential flooding risks, soil conditions, and accessibility concerns that may not be evident on a map. This physical verification ensures the design is grounded in the practical realities of the location, enabling adjustments to optimize system performance, layout, and safety.”
Additionally, Ing. Peters highlighted that the site visits are essential for logistical planning, including determining access routes and space availability for equipment and maintenance. The visit also supports the development of security and safety strategies, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
Ing. Yankuba Tarawally, SALWACO’s Director of Project Management and the lead on project implementation, expressed optimism about the project’s potential. He noted that the solar mini-grid project could address some of the ongoing challenges the institution faces in providing water to communities.