By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 7th April 2026 – The Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has unveiled a five-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) that promises to strengthen the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply across provincial areas.
The launch brought together government officials, stakeholders, and development partners, all united by a common goal: ensuring water security for Sierra Leone.
Managing Director Madam Tiideni Hawa Jabbi described the plan as a blueprint for transformation. “This Strategic Development Plan will serve as SALWACO’s bible for the next five years, enabling it to become a more functional and financially viable institution,” she said. She emphasized that the plan focuses on five thematic areas designed to secure sustained organizational performance.
Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Francis Alpha Kallon, who served as keynote speaker, underscored the sector’s importance to national growth. “The water sector plays a critical role in the country’s economic growth. As we launch SALWACO’s Strategic Development Plan for 2026–2030, we are igniting a radical transformation within Sierra Leone’s water sector and reaffirming government’s commitment to deliver sustainable water supply and sanitation services across provincial districts and cities,” he said.
Kallon noted that the plan is capital-intensive, requiring approximately $56 million for successful implementation. He appealed to development partners to align their investments with SALWACO’s vision. “Every dollar spent will contribute to the long-term goal of meeting the medium-term national development plan and SDG6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030,” he added.
Alhaji Idris Bangura, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Finance, pledged government support for reforms that promote efficiency and sustainability. “The ministry recognizes that the plan prioritizes improved water service delivery, strengthens financial management, and enhances revenue generation. We are committed to supporting reforms that foster transparency, efficiency, and innovation,” he said.
Madam Jabbi concluded by stressing the broader impact of the plan. If successfully implemented, she said, it will significantly advance government’s efforts to guarantee water security for Sierra Leone.
