Government Intensifies Efforts to Modernize SALWACO Through Legal Reforms

The Technical Working Group established to review the 2017 Act of the Sierra Leone Water Company has successfully concluded Week Three of its stakeholder engagement sessions, marking a major step in ongoing efforts to strengthen the institution’s legal and operational framework.

The review process, which is being led by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with key stakeholders in the water sector, is aimed at examining and proposing amendments to the SALWACO Act to better align it with current operational realities and national development priorities.

According to details from the engagement process, discussions during the third week focused on critical provisions within the existing Act, including institutional governance, operational efficiency, regulatory effectiveness, improved service delivery, and sustainable water resource management.

Members of the Technical Working Group conducted detailed deliberations on measures intended to strengthen SALWACO’s capacity to effectively respond to emerging challenges and opportunities within Sierra Leone’s water sector.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the institution remains responsive and adequately equipped to provide safe and reliable water services to communities across the country.

The ongoing review process reflects the Government of Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to reinforcing the legal foundation of SALWACO as part of broader efforts to improve efficiency and sustainability within the national water utility sector.

Stakeholders involved in the engagement sessions reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and collective participation in shaping reforms that will support the long-term development of the country’s water management and service delivery systems.

The review of the SALWACO Act of 2017 is expected to continue with further consultations and stakeholder engagements as authorities work toward establishing a stronger institutional and regulatory framework for the water sector in Sierra Leone.