Engineer Sawi, the Regional Manager, Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) Kenema on Monday, February 20, 2023, met with the Resident Minister-East, Rtd. Hon. Kes Boyah on the current water situation in the region and its implications.

The meeting was held at the office of the Resident Minister- East and was focused on a strategic update session with the minister on the current water successes and challenges in Kenema city.

Engineer Sawi informed the Hon. Resident Minister that water supply from the Moa treatment plant will soon be restored, stating that major plant components are expected in Kenema in a week’s time.

He said that there is the availability of water supply from the dams in the Kamboi Hills where residents in some parts of the city access safe water adding that there are currently three street-to-street water bouncers which supply water at an affordable rate.

In his statement, the Regional Human Resources and Administrative Manager-East, Braima Allieu, commented on the illegal activities that are ongoing at different points which disturb the proper operations of SALWACO in terms of water supply.

He said activities such as gold and stone mining, charcoal burning and deforestation are seriously affecting the water catchment which has led to the closure of one of the dams.

The Minister appreciated the team for their good work in the city in making sure the people get a better service for which they are paying. He also expressed gratitude for the hard work SALWACO is engaged in making sure that the pipes and other needed materials for the rehabilitation of the Gbaneh Water supply in Kono District are up and running.

He encouraged SALWACO to be part of the emergency Provincial Security Committee (PROSEC) meeting to map out workable plans and solutions to illegal activities destroying the water catchment in the Kamboi hills on the 21st of February 2023.