The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has officially launched its five-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in its drive toward improved water service delivery and institutional sustainability.

The launch event, held at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building in Freetown, brought together key government officials, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, civil society representatives, and international organizations.

The event was chaired by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Alieu Bakarr Conteh, who commended SALWACO, particularly the Managing Director, for developing the SDP internally without the support of external consultants.

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Welcoming participants, the Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO, Dr. Albert Harrison Harvey described the SDP as a vital guiding framework that will serve as a compass for the institution’s operations over the next five years. He noted that the launch would enhance SALWACO’s visibility among stakeholders and clearly communicate its strategic direction for the 2026–2030 period.

Also, speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema emphasized the importance of ensuring that the SDP delivers practical and impactful outcomes. He reaffirmed SALWACO’s mandate to provide safe water and sanitation services across Sierra Leone, adding that the Board had approved the plan at its initial stage in alignment with national development priorities.

In her official launch statement, the Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi highlighted that the SDP provides a clear strategic direction aligned with sectoral, national, and global development agendas. She stressed that the plan is designed to strengthen SALWACO’s role in supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving its national development goals and fulfilling its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Ing. Jabbi further explained that the SDP aligns with the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s Strategic Direction (2026–2035), and other global frameworks.

The Managing Director disclosed that the SDP is anchored on five key priority areas: water and sanitation development initiatives, sustainable service delivery, commercialization and financial viability, protection and management of SALWACO facilities, and capacity development and knowledge management. She noted that these pillars are critical to transforming SALWACO into a resilient, efficient, and results-driven institution.

According to her, the plan was developed by a team of competent staff at SALWACO within a six-week period.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ing. Francis Kallon emphasized the critical role of the water sector in Sierra Leone’s economic growth. He commended SALWACO for crafting a strategic roadmap that will support the government through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in achieving SDG 6, particularly in provincial districts and cities

He stated that the launch of the SDP signifies not only a strategic milestone but also the beginning of a transformative phase in Sierra Leone’s water sector. He reaffirmed the commitment of the government under Julius Maada Bio to delivering sustainable water supply and sanitation services nationwide.

The Deputy Minister further noted that the SDP focuses on five strategic program goals aimed at positioning SALWACO as a functional and financially viable institution. He subsequently declared the Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) officially launched.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Planning Manager, Chrisla Alberta Koroma, followed by a group photograph session.