The second day of the SALWACO sensitization and stakeholder engagement campaign for the Saudi-funded 100 Solar-Powered Boreholes Project continued with successful community outreach across Mattru Jong, Moyamba, and Pujehun Districts. The campaign is part of a national initiative being implemented by the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) under the Saudi Program for the Drilling of Wells and Rural Development in Africa (Phase V – Sierra Leone).
The project, which involves the drilling and installation of 100 solar-powered boreholes across 81 chiefdoms in 14 districts, is fully funded by the Saudi Government through the Saudi Fund for Development. SALWACO is leading implementation efforts, with EMT, an international contractor, responsible for construction.
In Moyamba District, the Paramount Chief of Kaiyamba Chiefdom, PC Foday Momoh Gulama, welcomed the project, describing it as both timely and impactful. He urged SALWACO to consider expanding the initiative to other underserved chiefdoms, noting its potential to transform rural access to clean water. The project is expected to benefit over 250,000 people across the country upon completion.
Deputy Chief Administrator of the Moyamba District Council, Mohamed Araphan Kabba, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and the Saudi Fund for Development for their commitment to improving rural water infrastructure. He confirmed that six chiefdoms in Moyamba have each been allocated one solar-powered borehole, with local authorities providing land for the installations.
In Bonthe District, Acting Chief Administrator Mohamed Vandi highlighted the need for strong community ownership and continuous engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. His remarks were echoed by the Deputy District Council Chairman, Jonathan Sandi Tucker, who emphasized the importance of aligning local development plans with national and international efforts.
Providing a technical update, Ing. Marilyn George, SALWACO’s Capital Development Manager and Project Manager for the 100 Solar-Powered Boreholes Project, stated that implementation is underway—hence the organization of sensitization and social mobilization sessions to inform communities about the project. She also advised the establishment of local WASH Committees and emphasized that women must form the majority of these committees.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Managing Director of SALWACO, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable water to underserved communities. He reiterated that the initiative is a grant from the Saudi Government and will be implemented over a two-year period, with EMT serving as the lead contractor.
At the community level, Station Managers Francis Johnny (Bonthe), Umaru Mbayo (Moyamba), and Ing. Mohamed Yayah Sesay (Pujehun) all reported strong community enthusiasm. Pujehun is expected to receive six solar-powered boreholes, Moyamba six and Mattru Jong five, strategically distributed across various chiefdoms.
Senior Project Officer, Ing. John Hallowell underscored the importance of selecting hygienic, contamination-free sites to ensure the quality of water after drilling is complete.
The visiting SALWACO delegation from Freetown was led by Dr. Harvey and Included Ing. Marilyn George; Ing. Mana-Nika Silla, Senior Engineer attached to the Managing Director’s Office; Project Officer Sarah Kamara; Ing. John Hallowell; and Communications Officer Victoria Saffa.
Wrapping up the day’s activities, SALWACO’s Regional Manager for the South, Edmond M.A. Kabu encouraged local leaders and residents to take full ownership of the boreholes once installed. He stressed that long-term success and sustainability will rely heavily on active community involvement in the protection and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Credit – SALWACO Communications Unit
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 9TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
