GVWC Board Conducts Comprehensive Two-Day Field Assessment of Major Water Infrastructure Projects

The Board of Directors of the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC), accompanied by senior management, has concluded a two-day strategic field visit from 18–19 November 2025, aimed at assessing the status of key water infrastructure projects and strengthening oversight across the Western Urban and Western Rural Areas. The visit formed part of the Company’s Fourth Quarter Workplan and aligns with GVWC’s broader mandate to expand water access, enhance service reliability, and modernize critical infrastructure.

The exercise, described as one of the most extensive field engagements undertaken this year, also marked a milestone for the newly appointed Managing Director, Ing. Mariwan Kallon, who joined the Board for his first major operational review since assuming office. His presence brought renewed momentum and signaled the Company’s commitment to improved governance, accountability, and results-oriented leadership.

A Comprehensive Tour of Priority Project Sites

Over the course of the two days, the Board inspected several strategic locations where the Company is implementing major capital projects. These include facilities designed to strengthen water storage, distribution networks, and overall service delivery capacity.

The tour began in Wilberforce, where the delegation inspected the new Wilberforce office site, the Wilberforce Village Tank, and the Governor’s Lodge Tank—facilities considered central to enhancing water supply to the surrounding communities. At Hill Station, the team examined the Circular Tank and reviewed progress on additional ongoing works designed to support the area’s rapidly expanding population.

A major highlight of the visit was the assessment of the Babadorie–Regent corridor, which hosts one of GVWC’s largest ongoing interventions: the construction of nine new water storage tanks. The Board also visited the completed Babadorie Circular Reservoir, which is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing water supply to several communities along the new Western Area distribution network.

Additional project locations visited included the completed Angola Water System facility, ongoing Mambo pipeline works, the Spur Road Reservoir, the rehabilitated Kongo Dam, and the Allen Town rehabilitation and expansion project. These initiatives collectively represent multimillion-dollar investments intended to modernize the water sector and improve access for residents across the Western Area.

Mixed Progress and Call for Improved Coordination

During the assessments, the Board expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at several sites. Many of the visited projects were found to be progressing well, with contractors demonstrating strong adherence to timelines and technical specifications.

However, the Board also raised concerns over two projects where progress has slowed due to internal process delays and challenges associated with contractor performance. In discussions held on-site, contractors acknowledged the issues highlighted by the Board and reaffirmed their commitment to improving coordination, enhancing resource allocation, and expediting outstanding tasks.

The Board further emphasized the need for regular communication, immediate escalation of technical bottlenecks, and strict adherence to reporting timelines. These measures, they noted, are essential to preventing future delays and ensuring the overall success of GVWC’s 2025–2026 project portfolio.

Leadership Commitment to Strong Governance and Accountability

Addressing the Board and management team at the end of the visit, Managing Director Ing. Mariwan Kallon pledged to strengthen governance systems, streamline internal processes, and promote teamwork across departments. He underscored the importance of efficient contractor management, timely documentation, and transparent reporting as foundations of strong project delivery.

Ing. Kallon highlighted that the insights gained during the two-day exercise would shape immediate operational adjustments and guide medium-term improvements in planning, supervision, and resource management.

“This field visit has provided us with a clearer understanding of our opportunities and challenges,” he said. “We are committed to accelerating progress, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that every project contributes meaningfully to improved water service delivery for the people of Sierra Leone.”

A Renewed Drive Toward Improved Water Services

The field engagement reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to robust oversight, strategic leadership, and sustained investment in critical infrastructure. With the active involvement of the new Managing Director, the Company is positioning itself to achieve measurable improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

At the close of the engagement, the Board commended management and project teams for their efforts and reiterated their support for initiatives aimed at transforming water access across the Western Area. In response, Ing. Kallon expressed appreciation for the Board’s guidance and pledged to prioritize efficiency, transparency, and results-driven management as GVWC continues its modernization journey.