The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has signed a 3.4 million US Dollars contract with Sahab al-Ufuq EMT Group targeting the improvement of water supply in rural areas across Sierra Leone.

The initiative, supported by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), is set to drill 100 wells, thereby enhancing access to safe drinking water for underserved communities in rural Sierra Leone.

The contract was formalised following a rigorous tendering process, which adhered to the SFD’s strict procurement guidelines. After careful evaluation, SALWACO was directed to finalise the agreement with the selected contractor.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation highlighted the project’s importance in facilitating access to clean water in rural communities. She reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to sustainable development.

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Providing an overview of the project, Ing. Yakuba J. Tarawally, SALWACO’s Director of Projects, expressed gratitude for the Saudi-funded initiative. He announced that all procurement processes had been finalised, with construction scheduled to commence on 15th April, 2025. Reportedly, the project will include the installation of public standposts, ensuring broader community access.

Acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, SALWACO’s Managing Director, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and the Chief Minister’s office in selecting well locations.

Mr. Abdelahi Sidaty, a representative from the project consultancy team, assured stakeholders of robust oversight during implementation, ensuring the highest standards are met for community benefit.

Mr. Alfred E. Aguim, Managing Director of Sahab al-Ufuq EMT Group, expressed thanks to the involved parties, reiterating the contractor’s commitment to executing the project efficiently and on schedule.

Mr. Morie Momoh, Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, commended the SDF for its ongoing investment in Sierra Leone. He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to timely fund disbursement and urged SALWACO to meet project deadlines to prevent delays.

In a keynote address, Dr. Hannah Max-Kaine, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing water supply systems throughout the country. She underscored the strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia and reassured attendees that local Ministry staff would support the project’s successful implementation.

The event concluded with the formal signing of the contract by SALWACO’s Managing Director, project consultants, and the contractor, observed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Permanent Secretary.

Although Sierra Leone has a tropical rainforest vegetation, the West African nation has been unable to preserve water harvested during the rains. The majority of the population lack access to clean and safe water with pipe borne water largely limited to the capital, Freetown and few other provincial towns.

However, this project is believed to have marked a pivotal stride toward improving water accessibility across over 80 chiefdoms, enhancing the quality of life for thousands in rural Sierra Leone.