By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially launched a new digital payment partnership with Orange Money, enabling customers to conveniently and securely pay their water rate bills through mobile money services.
This initiative marks a major milestone in SALWACO’s broader digital transformation and revenue mobilization strategy, aimed at enhancing efficiency, customer satisfaction, and service accessibility.
The official launch event took place at SALWACO’s headquarters in Tower Hill, Freetown, attracting a wide range of dignitaries, staff, and representatives from partner institutions.
In his welcome address, Mr. Joe Ansu Foray, Director of Human Resources at SALWACO, warmly received attendees and hailed the new partnership as a technological breakthrough in Sierra Leone’s water sector.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Mr. Mohamed Aziz Waggay*, Director of Commercial Services at SALWACO and the project lead, emphasized that the collaboration with Orange Money aims to: Increase revenue generation, enhance customer convenience and eliminate long queues at bank payment centers.
“With Orange Money’s widespread network, customers will now find it much easier to pay their water rates anytime, anywhere,” he said.
Representing the Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company, Mr. Alie Kabba, Director of Corporate Services, described the partnership as a transformative step that goes beyond technology, highlighting its potential to modernize service delivery across the water sector.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Robert David Kailie, HR & Admin Manager representing the Director General of the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), commended SALWACO for improving access to bill payment and making the process more customer-centric.
Chairman of the SALWACO Board, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema, described the partnership as a strategic contribution toward Pillar Five (Infrastructure) of the government’s “Big Five Gamechangers.” He lauded the move as a collaborative model that supports sustainable development through innovation and digital inclusion.
On behalf of Orange Money CEO, Mr. Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnerships, reaffirmed Orange Money’s commitment to supporting government efforts in digital transformation and public service delivery.
“Our collaboration with SALWACO ensures customers no longer need to travel long distances or queue for hours to pay their bills,” he said. “We encourage all SALWACO customers to start using the service immediately. Our agents and customer service teams are ready to assist.”
SALWACO Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, expressed gratitude to Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kayne, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and to the SALWACO Board for their continued support. He described the partnership with Orange Money following previous integrations with Afrimoney and Rokel Commercial Bank as a critical step toward financial sustainability.
He also revealed that SALWACO will soon transition to green energy across all its stations, as part of its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kayne, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, praised SALWACO for embracing digital solutions to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
“This digital payment system will not only make revenue collection more efficient, but it also allows management to track payments in real time. It is a powerful tool for both operational improvement and public trust,” she remarked.
The ceremony concluded with the official launch of the SALWACO–Orange Money partnership by Dr. Hannah Sao Max-Kayne, followed by a group photograph with dignitaries and stakeholders.
With digital payment platforms now fully operational, customers can pay their SALWACO water bills via Orange Money, Afrimoney, or the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB). SALWACO has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding partnerships with more financial institutions to further simplify water bill payments across the country.
SALWACO continues to position itself as a people-centered institution, striving for innovation and accessibility in public utility services.