SALWACO Unveils Major Water Supply Project for Kenema

The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tideni Hawa Jabbi, on 18 December 2025, presented a newly approved and fully funded government project for the rehabilitation and construction of ten gravity water dams in Kenema District.

Speaking during the presentation, Ing. Jabbi disclosed that the ten water supply projects are fully funded by the Government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

She explained that access to safe drinking water in Sierra Leone remains far below regional and international standards, stressing the need for the country to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of water supply and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

According to her, the ten-dam water supply project was initiated to address these challenges and improve access to potable water for communities in Kenema District.

Ing. Jabbi further announced that Castleton Rhodes Commodities LLC, headed by former Sierra Leone Football Association President Thomas Daddy Brima, has been contracted to rehabilitate and construct the ten gravity water dams in the district. She stated that the project is expected to be completed within a contract duration of 16 months.

Speaking on behalf of traditional authorities, the Town Chief of Kenema, Chief Kenie Momoh Ngomoblongo, described the project as highly significant to the district. He noted that human activities in the Kambui Hills have previously posed challenges to water supply in the area but assured SALWACO and the contractor of the community’s full support in the implementation of the project.

Also speaking at the event, Councillor Umaru Dabor of the Kenema District Council said the availability of water and electricity remains critical to the district’s development. He emphasised the need for SALWACO to work closely with the District Council to ensure better coordination and effective resolution of issues during project implementation, describing such collaboration as a step in the right direction.

The project is expected to significantly improve access to safe drinking water and contribute to sustainable development in Kenema District.