By Mustapha Sheriff
Kenema City, October 2025- In a significant step toward improving access to safe drinking water, Punjab Trading Company on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, officially handed over a newly constructed standpipe water facility to the Niawama Community in Kenema City.
The project forms part of the company’s Community Development Action Plan (CEDAP), aimed at supporting host communities through sustainable development initiatives.
Delivering her opening remarks at the colorful ceremony held in Niawama, the company’s Manager, Madam Victoria Vanday Bernard, welcomed all invited guests and explained the purpose of the gathering. She said the event marked the official commissioning and handing-over of the new water facility constructed for the people of Niawama as part of the company’s Community development action plan.
Madam Bernard disclosed that the initiative originated from a meeting with the Niawama Community Action Development Committee (CADC), where residents identified the lack of clean and safe water as their most urgent need. She explained that Punjab Trading Company supports community-driven development rather than imposing its own priorities.
“As a company, we do not identify projects for the community it is the community’s responsibility to identify their development needs and bring them to us for support,” she said. “That is why we are here today to officially hand over this water facility to the people of Niawama.”
She revealed that the project cost over Le 40,000 new leones and is expected to benefit more than 100 households. She also called on residents to take full ownership of the project, pay their water rate dues, and ensure proper maintenance of the facility for sustainability.
Madam Bernard extended special appreciation to the community for their cooperation with the company and pledged continued partnership in promoting local development.
Representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Officer, Mr. Joseph Tengbe, commended Punjab Trading Company for fulfilling its environmental and social obligations. He explained that the EPA’s role includes regulating and monitoring companies, issuing environmental impact assessment licenses, and ensuring they give back to host communities.
“Any company issued with an EIA license is expected to contribute to the welfare of its host community,” Mr. Tengbe said. “We at the EPA encourage companies to implement tangible development projects like this water facility, which directly improves people’s lives. We will continue to monitor and ensure such projects are maintained as required by the EPA Act.”
The Paramount Chief Rep of Nongowa Chiefdom, thanked Punjab Trading Company for its continued support to community development initiatives. He noted that access to clean water has long been a challenge for the people of Niawama and surrounding areas.
“This project has brought great relief to our people,” Chief Koroma stated. “We are grateful to Punjab Trading Company for listening to the voices of our community. I want to encourage our people to take care of this facility, as it now belongs to us.”
Also present was the Area Chief of Niawama, Chief Kapuwa who expressed joy and appreciation on behalf of his community. he said the project will have a lasting impact, especially on women and children who previously had to travel long distances to fetch water.
“Before this water standpipe, our children used to walk long distances to fetch water, exposing them to many risks,” Chief Kapuwa said. “Now, with clean water within our reach, those challenges will be reduced, and the community will be healthier and happier.”
The Head of Civil Society Organizations in the Eastern Region, Mr. Augustine Sannoh, praised the company for its transparency and consistency in implementing community projects. He reminded the community that the sustainability of the facility depends on their willingness to pay small water dues and maintain it properly.
“Access to clean and safe water is a human right, but sustainability is a shared responsibility,” Mr. Sannoh said. “The community must value this facility, protect it, and ensure it continues to serve future generations.”
In his remarks, Councilor Farma of the Kenema City Council expressed satisfaction that the company had responded positively to the community’s request. He said the facility would greatly reduce the burden on children and women, noting that it aligns with the council’s development goals.
“This facility will benefit over fifty houses in the community,” the Councilor noted. “It will reduce the distance children travel for water and help curb child labor. We thank Punjab Trading Company for being a dependable development partner.”
The event attracted representatives from the EPA, Kenema City Council, civil society organizations, and the Niawama Community Development Committee. The ceremony ended with the symbolic turning on of the tap, marking the official commissioning of the water facility amid applause and celebration.
