SALWACO Managing Director Embarks on Nationwide Tour, Assures Staff of Renewed Commitment to Service Delivery

The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ing. Tiideni Hawa Jabbi, has continued her nationwide station tour and site inspections with a visit to the Kenema station, reaffirming her commitment to strengthening service delivery and building a more functional, financially resilient institution.

The MD was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Chairman of the SALWACO Board, Mr. Joseph Ndanema; Paramount Chief Amy Kallon, a member of the Board; Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, Director of Operations; and Ing. Yankuba Tarawally, Director of Project Management.

A Warm Welcome in Kenema

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by SALWACO’s Eastern Regional Manager, Briama Allieu, who congratulated MD Jabbi on her historic appointment as the first female Managing Director of the company. He explained that the Eastern Region comprises the Kailahun, Kenema, and Blama stations—each playing a significant role in ensuring that the region receives reliable and safe water supply.

Allieu commended the progress made so far in the region but underscored the need for additional support to enable staff to meet the company’s operational targets. “The strides are evident, but for us to perform optimally, management’s continued support is crucial,” he said.

Kenema Station Highlights Its Achievements and Challenges

Station Manager, Ing. Osman Turay, presented a detailed account of Kenema’s operations, noting both achievements and constraints. He reaffirmed the station’s capacity to meet its obligations but stressed that addressing key challenges—particularly those affecting efficiency—would significantly enhance service delivery.

“If some of the pressing issues are resolved, we will be in an even stronger position to serve the people of Kenema,” Turay emphasized.

Women’s Leadership and National Collaboration Highlighted

Speaking during the engagement, the Director of Communication, Gender, and Outreach, Mary Mansaray Ngegba, hailed MD Jabbi’s appointment as a milestone for women in the sector. She noted that women often bring unique perspectives to water governance given their central role in water consumption and household management.

“It is important for staff and stakeholders to rally behind the new MD. Achieving institutional success is a collective responsibility,” Ngegba said, adding that national collaboration is essential for sustainable water provision.

Major Projects Announced for Kenema and Beyond

Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally, revealed that Kenema is set to benefit from a major solar-powered installation aimed at resolving longstanding electricity constraints affecting water production and distribution. Similar renewable-energy projects, he assured, will be rolled out in other stations to reduce operational costs and improve reliability.

Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie, described MD Jabbi as a result-oriented leader who understands what it takes to drive SALWACO forward. He encouraged staff to embrace her leadership direction and commit to the institutional transformation agenda.

MD Jabbi Calls for Accountability and Performance

In her keynote address, Ing. Jabbi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and outlined her vision for a stronger, performance-driven SALWACO. She stressed that her goal is to create a functional, efficient, and financially viable organization capable of delivering quality water services nationwide.

“Every station must strive for excellence. When stations produce results, management will be in a better position to take care of staff welfare, expand operations, and serve customers effectively,” she said.

She emphasized that accountability and results-based performance will form the backbone of her administration. “If your station has the capacity, then there should be no excuses for not delivering,” she added. She assured staff that improved outputs will be matched by improved support from management.

A Nationwide Engagement for Institutional Strengthening

MD Jabbi’s tour began in Makeni and Magburaka, before progressing to Kabala, Lunsar, and Port Loko. The first week concluded with visits to Kambia, Rokupr, and Lungi in the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom.

The second week covered stations in Mile 91, Moyamba, Bonthe Island, Pujehun, Bo, and Kenema. At each stop, the MD engaged with staff, inspected infrastructure, assessed operational challenges, and discussed plans for improvement.

Tour to Continue as MD Deepens Staff Engagement

The nationwide tour is expected to continue with additional station and departmental engagements in the coming weeks. The goal, MD Jabbi said, is to gain deeper insight into operations across the country, reinforce accountability systems, and implement practical mechanisms that enhance water supply and service delivery.

“With a united team, clear direction, and consistent effort, SALWACO will rise to meet the expectations of the people of Sierra Leone,” she assured.