The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation under the leadership of Minister Dr. Hannah Sao Kpato Max-Kyne, Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, headed by Hon. Musa Lahai and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) which is under the astute leadership of Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi have concluded a one-week almost nationwide inspection, visitation and launching of various SALWACO projects and activities.

The engagements were held in Lungi, Port Loko, Kambia, Makeni, Magburaka, Bo, Kenema, Pujehun and Kailahun among strategic other areas of operations in line with the mandate of SALWACO.

On 21/6/24 in Lungi, a 25 million Dollar Water Project was launched. Its aim is to provide safe drinking water for Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District; a vision that is in line with the mandate of SALWACO. The meeting was called to order by the Human Resources Manager SALWACO, Joe Ansu Foray who used the opportunity to introduce the co-chairperson of the event, Apostle Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey who’s the Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO. It was made clear that the Lungi Water Project is entirely funded by the Government of Sierra Leone, from the consolidated fund.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh introduced the Chairperson, Hon. Musa Lahai. Both Maps described the day as historic, noting that it is a step in the right direction. They called on the contractor (represented by Rodney Michael) to do things and in the best interest of the people. Hon. Lahai informed that as MPs, they have a responsibility to make laws, represent the people and to embark on oversight functions, including the approval of funds/budgets. He called on all and sundry not to politicize investments and urged all present to support the vision and mission of SALWACO for the water sector. He assured of nationwide inspection and monitoring of all SALWACO activities and to see that the right things are done and are put in place. He said that the Lungi Water Project would be a major facelift, stressing that the Lungi International Airport deserves such laudable and appreciable facilities. He encouraged citizens and residents to act responsibly and not to damage government property once constructed/completed. He therefore used the opportunity to call for community ownership etc.

The representative of the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Paramount Chief, welcomed all and sundry and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for the welcoming initiative of making sure that Lungi gets clean and safe drinking water. He said that they now have a major responsibility to be watchdogs of government.

The representative of the Senior Permanent Secretary at the Water Resources Ministry (who’s the Deputy Secretary) assured all of the ministry’s support, adding that the project is a property of the people.

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip who’s also a member of the Water Resources and Sanitation committee in Parliament said that general collaboration would be prudent and to see that there’s absolute accountable as the project gets implemented. He urged for more community engagements. He touched on how safe drinking water could cure if not pervert a lot of water borne and related other diseases.

Host MP, Sheikh Kargbo of the ruling SLPP and Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom said that he was more than appreciative of the progress that has been made. He referred to water as a felt need and said that such a matter should be treated with greater significance.

Speaker after speaker urged the contractor to do a good job and to ensure value for money. SALWACO was also urged to be bringing up challenges in Parliament and to see that issues are accordingly addressed. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation was also urged to work and secure foreign direct investment.

Making a statement during the engagement, the Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. George Lamin Vandi said that the project was a very huge one and that it would cover and target major areas. He called on the people of Lungi to make use of the opportunity and assured that the job will be done within its stipulated time. Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally elaborated on the scope of project which he said had started since 2013 when he was a Project Manager at SALWACO. He said that he was grateful and appreciative that the project was finally been implemented in full in 2024. He said that the project will rehabilitate existing facilities, construct a new treatment plant plus a reservoir of 12000 cubic meters and the construction of new staff quarters.

The MD also informed about the usage of smart metering systems for the services. He used the opportunity to remind all present that water is very necessary, but that it shouldn’t be seen as a free commodity.

Lungi Community/Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom representative, AB Kamara appreciated the gesture and commended government. He said that water is life and that it is also a universal solvent. He remarked that people used to face challenges to get water, but noted once the Lungi Water Project is completed, effective monitoring should be implemented. He therefore called on SALWACO to engage people and residents on the virtues of the project and the things that were expected of all.

Councillor Abubakarr Koroma who represented Hon. Ibrahim Aziz Bangura (CEO Kelly) of the Opposition, All People’s Congress Party (APC) said that Lungi as a Class a Chiefdom with 8 sections deserve a lot of goodies. He added that as community leaders, it is a must for them to monitor the project and to see that it reaches a successful conclusion.

Hon. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Hannah Sao Kpato Max-Kyne whiles delivering the keynote address said that the government has a lot of goodies in store for people, stating that her ministry has a duty to ensure leadership and to provide a strategic roadmap. She said that it was also important to understand the successes and challenges and to see that things are done accordingly. She underscored the willingness of the political leadership, adding that the ministry was also looking forward to getting some private sector involvements and investments. She called on all to safeguard public infrastructure which she noted is a move in the best interest of the country.

At the Lungi Water site, Station Manager and Project Engineer, Ing. Abdulai Kargbo spoke about the extended network distribution and the contractor, Rodney Michael said that they’d ensure best practices and quality control mechanisms and to work with all players to realize quality water supply.

In Makeni, on 22-06-24, DMD Harvey and HR Foray sorted the opening courtesies whiles Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh introduced the Chairperson, Musa Lahai. After similar pleasantries, the Paramount Chief welcomed attendees and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone on behalf of the people of Makeni. He stated that they were looking forward to the progress of the project.

Chairperson, Hon. Musa Lahai called on all not to politicize investments and expressed related information/conducts exhibited in Lungi and other places visited. He used the opportunity to give a recap of activities for Day 1.

The Contractor, Infinity promised to finish the job in record time, station that they are an experienced water provision entity.

Representatives of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) expressed optimism to secure the facilities and to see that culprits are brought to book whiles urging for collaboration at all levels in enhancing development.

Caucus Leader of MPs from Bombali, Hon. Peter Yamba Koroma said that SALWACO is a listening company, but urged and encouraged the need for more community engagements and sensitization. He said that the importance of customer engagement cannot be overstated, adding that it will be a step in the right direction.

Host MP, Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura of the Opposition and Makeni said that as an indigene of Gbanti Chiefdom, he greatly appreciates and welcomes the development. He said that the source/host Chiefdom should be the biggest beneficiary. He also used the opportunity to ask that the facility is extended to the University of Makeni (UNIMAK). Hon. AKK touched on the need to accurately share information for public consumption and to educate people on how to pay dues. He also asked people to handle the facilities with care, once constructed. Hon. Tengbeh expressed delight about what he referred to as mega projects handled by SALWACO. He appealed to the contractor not to do a white elephant job and also touched on the need to have quality materials for the projects.

SALWACO MD, Ing. George Lamin Vandi thanked the Government, Paramount Chief and stakeholders for the opportunity. He referred to the Makeni intervention as fruitful. He called on people to cooperate and to see that SALWACO is able to sustain revenue generation. He stated that SALWACO will continue or work with the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) so as to get things standardized.

Project Management Director, Ing. Yankuba Tarrawally remarked on the 2013 60 million Dollar Water Projects for Makeni, Bo and Kenema which were under the 3-towns’ water supply projects. He however stated that most areas still lack access, adding that such is what has informed the new SALWACO project in Makeni for a balancing reservoir. The project is estimated to the tune of close to 5 million Dollars.

Community Stakeholders including the representative of the Mayor expressed optimism and appreciation and looked forward to the completion of the project. The District Council Chairman also expressed similar pleasantries.

Deputy Secretary Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation who represented the Ministry said that it is crucial for people to benefit from such projects and promised effective monitoring at all levels so that there’d be value for money. The project is expected to be completed between September-December 2024.

The next stops where Magburaka, Moyamba, Bo, Kenema, Pujehun and Kailahun. The focus in all visited areas was to understand progress, successes and challenges.

Strategic engagements were held in Bo and it was made clear that several institutions owe SALWACO. Visits were made to the Bo School, Bo Government Hospital among others including Njala University to see that all SALWACO debts amounting to millions of old Leones (thousands of new Leones) were fully paid. MD Vandi, DMD Harvey and a cross section of departmental SALWACO directors and managers including Snr. & Jnr. Officers were part of the trip to collect the debts.

The Pujehun station is going on with activities and people appreciate the gesture. Same for Kailahun and Moyamba, including Kambia, Port Loko and Magburaka where similar engagements were held.

In Kenema, the JM Mining leadership was engaged and site visitations were made to see that the challenges and dangers that mining pose in the provision of water are curbed. The Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ing. Francis Alpha Kallon was the leader of those delegations and engagements.

The engagements are a testament to the result driven nature of SALWACO, the ministry and line departments in making sure that water is provided for people and at affordable rates with a view to enhancing quality, effectiveness and revenue generation for sustainable development.

Credit – S Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, July 1st , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)