New SALWACO Managing Director Begins Nationwide Station Assessment Tour

The newly appointed Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, has commenced a ten-day nationwide tour aimed at assessing the operational status of all SALWACO provincial stations.

The tour, which began on Monday, covered the Makeni and Magburaka stations, with Kabala scheduled for the next stop.

According to SALWACO’s leadership, the exercise forms part of the MD’s 100-day action plan designed to strengthen service delivery, improve operational performance, and enhance accountability across the institution.

During engagements with staff and management at both stations, Ing. Jabbi emphasized the need for every SALWACO station to develop a comprehensive business plan. She noted that strategic leadership will subsequently introduce a performance management system to ensure effective monitoring of progress and delivery on set goals.

In Makeni, Station Manager Ing. Emmanuel Fanday Bayoh outlined several achievements recorded by the station but also pointed to notable challenges. These included the need to boost monthly revenue, increase community engagement, and improve internal operational structures. He reaffirmed the staff’s willingness to align with the MD’s vision and work toward improved service quality.

At the Magburaka Station, Station Manager Augustine Hotagua expressed appreciation for the MD’s decision to initiate the provincial tour outside the capital. He highlighted ongoing improvements at the facility and identified areas requiring urgent intervention. Hotagua assured the management team that Magburaka staff remain committed to supporting SALWACO’s corporate objectives and advancing the MD’s strategic direction.

The delegation also included members of SALWACO’s senior leadership. The Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, formally introduced the MD to staff, noting that several of the issues raised by station managers have already been addressed, while others will be resolved with guidance from the new administration.

The Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, disclosed that SALWACO is preparing to roll out its prepaid metering system. He revealed that 30,000 prepaid meters are expected to arrive soon as part of efforts to improve billing accuracy and enhance nationwide revenue collection.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Joseph Joe Ndanema, called on all stations to adopt innovative strategies in their operations. He highlighted the potential for SALWACO to expand its service offerings, including the introduction of bottled water production, and assured that the Board remains fully supportive of the MD’s reforms and transformation agenda.

Board Member PC Amy Tator Kallon Tibnie II also formed part of the touring team.

The nationwide assessment will continue over the coming days, with a comprehensive report on the provincial tour expected to be published subsequently by the SALWACO Communications Unit.