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The Guma Valley Water Company has started installing 2,120 water meters across Freetown to strengthen customer management, improve billing accuracy and enhance accountability in water service delivery.
The company has installed 557 meters, according to figures presented at a Delivery Clinic organised by the Chief Minister’s Office. The meeting brought together the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and its agencies to review progress in expanding access to safe drinking water.
Guma Valley Managing Director Ing. Mariwan Kallon said the company is funding the supply and installation of meters for existing customers.
He explained, however, that new customers and those seeking meter replacements or other meter-related services will have to cover the associated costs.
Kallon said Guma Valley has about 90,000 registered beneficiaries. Of that number, approximately 32,000 are active, while only 18,000 are currently being billed.
He said the company’s immediate priority is to improve water delivery before billing customers listed as active but not presently receiving water.
The Managing Director also announced that Guma Valley’s storage capacity has risen from 72,000 to about 132,000 cubic metres after adding a 60,000-cubic-metre facility.
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh said developments in the water sector reflect steady progress, pointing to Guma Valley’s expansion of its systems in eastern and western Freetown, alongside investments in metering, leak detection and repairs.
He urged the company to manage the meter rollout carefully, describing the devices as essential tools for improving accountability and service delivery.
Sengeh noted that Freetown still lacks round-the-clock water supply in every community, but said coverage has improved in areas from Angola through Babadorie to Allen Town.
He also appealed to residents to protect forests and water catchment areas and avoid damaging water infrastructure.
Residents were encouraged to report leaks through Guma Valley’s toll-free number, 246, while customers were reminded to pay for the water they use.
